(NAPSI)—There could be good news for many Arizonans concerned about the future of the country and their state in these contentious times.

Center for the Future of Arizona’s (CFA) statewide survey of likely Republican, Democratic, and independent/unaffiliated voters of all ages found that on many issues, voters agree across political and generational lines. 

“The Arizona Voters’ Agenda puts the voices of Arizona voters at the center of our election discussions and challenges the narrative of a hopelessly divided electorate. The survey insights present an opportunity for leaders, reporters, debate moderators, and candidates to focus on substantive dialogue that addresses the issues that the vast majority of voters care about,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA.

CFA collaborated with HighGround, Inc., a nonpartisan public opinion polling firm based in Arizona, to conduct the Arizona Voters’ Agenda survey of likely general election voters. The survey asked voters questions about their current outlook and their views on policy issues and values for education, state spending, immigration, and housing.

The result: In many areas, the majority agree on shared concerns and what they want from their leaders:

•Arizona not prepared for future growth—Over half of Arizona voters (52%) are not confident that Arizona is prepared for future growth.

•Candidates not focused on what’s most important to voters—Fewer than half (40%) of voters say that current candidates for statewide and legislative offices in Arizona are talking about what’s important to them.

•Preference for working across the aisle—More than two times as many voters prefer candidates who are willing to compromise and work across the aisle to get things done compared to those who prefer candidates with unwavering commitments to principles and who refuse to compromise (62% to 29%). 

•Media coverage of candidates contributes to political division—Eighty-five percent of voters, including supermajorities across all political affiliations and age groups, believe that news media coverage of political parties and candidates has created more division.

The survey also found many areas of common ground in education, state spending, immigration, and housing. The Arizona Voters’ Agenda outlines specific policy items and values statements with which most voters—across political affiliations and age groups—agree. 

Education

When it comes to education, 79% of Arizonans support increased funding for public education, 80% want transparency and accountability for private schools accepting state funds through  Empowerment Scholarship Accounts/vouchers, 94% want teachers trained in the most effective approaches to teaching reading, 93% giving every student access to college credit in high school, and 77% want more financial aid for students in Arizona’s public university and community colleges.

State Spending

As for state spending, 77% of Arizonans want more investment in childcare assistance and 90% a robust investment in transportation infrastructure.

Immigration

Regardless of party, 77% of voters also support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship, 89% a border that functions for commerce and immigration, and 82% a bipartisan solution to what Arizonans perceive as a humanitarian and refugee crisis.

Housing 

Housing is also an issue concerning voters. More housing that is affordable is needed in their own communities say 78% and homelessness is a crisis or serious issue according to 71%. Arizonans want their state and local governments to do more to address homelessness and improve affordable housing options for middle- and low-income earners.

About Center for the Future of Arizona

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “do-tank” that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state. CFA’s work is focused on building The Arizona We Want—a research-informed vision of success for the state, where all Arizonans, now and in the future, thrive and enjoy sustained prosperity, unmatched quality of life, and real opportunity. 

CFA develops the Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative to put the voices of Arizona voters at the forefront of election dialogue, encourage candidates and media to focus on what Arizonans agree on and care about for our state, and increase voter engagement by building a positive agenda that focuses on outcomes that voters across age and political affiliation want. CFA will conduct a second survey before the general election in November. It will explore additional topics with voters, including water and elections. 

To be included on the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, a majority of all likely voters must show a “strong” level of agreement on the issue, and majorities of every political and age segment must show “strong” or “somewhat strong” agreement on the issue. This ensures the Voters’ Agenda truly reflects majority support across all political and generational lines at 50% or above.  

Learn More

Visit arizonafuture.org/ava for more details on the initiative and comprehensive survey information.