Multiple things are happening in Arizona. Some of which might be misinterpreted in this article.
1) redistricting has had an obvious positive affect for democrats.
2) The increase in independents in Arizona should not be interpreted as republicans moving left.
3) there are still more registered republicans in the state (35%) than democrats (30%) with the balance 33 percent independents (yes almost as many as republicans)
4) I live in the east valley (very, very conservative) and most of my neighbors and friends have registered as independents because the GOP is not conservative enough. There is no way any of us vote blue.
5) elections are held when snow birds are present in the state. Mostly from northern somewhat liberal states. Many are registered to vote in AZ .
Yep.
I registered independent when I moved because it was obvious the GOP was pushing hard for craptacular
candidates like Romney.
Indeed, I ended up casting my vote for my State's former governor, Gary Johnson, who was the Libertarian Party's candidate.
I’ve found that to be true in Massachusetts. The most conservative activists are often un-enrolled voters.