Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Flagstaff Voters Cast Ballots Partially As a Referendum on Trump and GOP

Ryan Heinsius

Voters across Arizona are casting their ballots today weighing in on Congress, U.S. Senate, and local and statewide offices and propositions. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius visited several Flagstaff polling sites this morning to check in with voters. 

Many say they were drawn to the polls today at least partially because of their feelings about President Trump and the country’s national leadership.

Sean O’Meara says he votes in every election and wants to see change across the board this year.

"I’m thoroughly unhappy with the way national politics are going. The divisiveness the violence, attacks against vulnerable populations in this country and outside. I think that’s awful. I don’t think that has anything to do with what we believe we are as a country. I don’t like seeing that for my children," he says.

Catherine Miller hopes her vote will act as validation for Trump and his policies.

"Wanting to support our president and make sure he knows that he’s being supported. I think he’s doing a good job, and, yep, we need to be behind him," she says.

Some polling sites in Maricopa County weren’t ready to open when voting began this morning, and many voters reported long lines and a shortage of ballots.

Since the August primary there’s been a surge in registration statewide. Coconino County’s registered voters reached an all-time high last month at more than 83,000, topping the previous record set in 2016.

Polls close tonight at 7 o’clock throughout the state and on the Navajo Nation.

Ryan Heinsius joined KNAU's newsroom as an executive producer in 2013 and became news director and managing editor in 2024. As a reporter, he has covered a broad range of stories from local, state and tribal politics to education, economy, energy and public lands issues, and frequently interviews internationally known and regional musicians. Ryan is an Edward R. Murrow Award winner and a Public Media Journalists Association Award winner, and a frequent contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and national newscast.
Related Content