Speak Up: Did midterm election attack ads sway your vote?

Our Nov. 9 Question of the Week asked for readers’ thoughts on political attack ads that were everywhere in the months before the Nov. 3 midterm election. We wanted to know whether attack ads work or if they just make Arizonans mad and more determined to vote for the candidate being attacked. Would readers rather see ads featuring candidates touting their qualifications and what they plan to do if elected? Here’s a selection of what readers across the Valley said:

Campaign ads didn’t influence my voting selection for individuals at all. I did rely on the ads plus confirming research to reach a voting decision on ballot measures; especially those relating referred by the Legislature since the ballot titles confusing at best many times and I think it's most likely an intentional move to confuse the voters. — Nancy N.

Negative advertising sent me to the other candidate on more than one occasion. I would love it if the issues were discussed, but with the governor refusing to debate the issues, I think more candidates will refuse to discuss. — Jackie V.

I muted all election ads, regardless of which candidate and/or party was involved in the ad. They had no effect on me at all. — David T.