ELECTION: Check precinct and vote

With the new legislative district boundaries recently determined and precinct changes as well, it behooves each registered voter to check their precinct and legislative district numbers as well. Go to the Kootenai County Election Office on Third Street or call them (446-1030) to get your new voting information. If you are not registered to vote, I urge you do so as it is not only your right as a citizen, but your responsibility as well.

A new development this year has the wrinkle of one party requiring you to register as a member of that party in order to vote in their primary election. While a party is within its rights to require a voter to declare their allegiance in order to cast their ballot, it does eliminate the voter's right to privacy relative to their choice. Of more concern to citizens should be that such a requirement tags you for, who knows, how many different mailing lists and requests for donations, etc.

This requirement in effect eliminates the voter who is an independent from making a choice. This is particularly the case where one party has two or more candidates vying for an office with no candidate from the other party running. The primary election then becomes the general election for that position.

You might consider becoming a permanent "Absentee Voter" as well. If you contact the Elections Office, they can give you the information needed.

DAVID LARSEN

Coeur d'Alene