NO. Proxies were never intended to be used in politics, where voting rights are not transferable. The only proper use of proxies is relating to transferable voting rights, as in the case of common stock owners, whose voting rights are linked to stock ownership and are transferred with the transfer of ownership.<
In Arizona there has been in recent years an escalation in the misuse and abuse of proxies by political parties. This has led many citizens to call on the legislature to enact legislation aimed at curbing such misuse and abuse. As a result, House bill HB2029 has been introduced.
The knee jerk reaction to this may be a yawn and a who-cares attitude. After all, why should the state legislators or citizens in general be concerned about how political parties conduct their business? The fact is that the legislature is deeply involved in the internal affairs of political parties, and has been for some time. This includes ARS 15-828, which states the rules for the use of proxies by political parties. The voting public should be concerned because of the following chain of events. Precinct committeemen elect party leadership; party leaders play a significant role in choosing candidates; this of course affects what candidates are available for voters to vote on. The widespread use of proxies enables a very small group of individuals to exert an inordinate amount of influence in the political process.
The only political entities that are allowed to use proxies are political parties. Proxies are not allowed in either chamber of congress or in either chamber of the AZ legislature. Proxies are not allowed at county supervisor meetings or city council meetings.
Neighboring states limit the use of proxies by political parties. Here is a comparison
Arizona – unlimited
New Mexico – 5
California – 2
Utah – 0
Texas – 0
Banning or limiting use of proxies would bring Arizona in sync with its neighbors.
The blue book for deliberative assemblies, Roberts Rules of Order, strictly prohibits the use of proxies except in connection with stock corporations.
Proxy harvesting, as it is currently practiced, has a lot in common with ballot harvesting, which was outlawed recently by the Arizona legislature.
While continuing to allow the use of proxies by political parties would not bring on the end of the world, it should be clear that prohibiting or limiting proxies will enhance our ability to maintain and enhance our constitutional representative republic form of government.
Those individuals who wish to contact their legislators on this bill (HB 2012) or other matters will find a wealth of information on how to do it efficiently at www.azpeopleslobbyist.com