PRIMARY: Folly of experiences

This year our state legislature made some changes in the primary voting process. Their attempts to discourage voting in the recent primary were, as reported, “successful” if a low voter turnout was truly a motivation for this. I am among a group of citizens who chose to be a participant, even with these bizarre restrictions.

A small group of friends all made the decision to vote Republican on the day of the primary. Our desire was to exercise and protect our voting voice and privilege. In talking with one another days afterward, we learned that each of us had a very unique experience that day. I can only imagine that this same thing occurred throughout our wonderful state, yet I am only writing about our experiences in Kootenai County.

My husband I went to our precinct and asked to vote Republican. He was required (as we expected) to complete a party registration form, which he did, before voting on the Republican ballot. Two hours later I went to the same precinct, where a volunteer immediately recognized me and we casually visited. When I asked which ballot I wanted, I stated that, “Today, I’m voting as a Republican.” I was handed a Republican ballot. No form to complete. No questions asked. I voted.

A friend of mine went to her precinct, requested a Republican registration and ballot, and was denied. She was told because she is a “registered Democrat” she could not change her party or vote Republican. This was certainly news to her as she had read the requirements, prepared for her voting and knew what to expect. She voted on the Democrat ballot. Her story is unique because she recently returned to Idaho after living in another state for 12 years. When she registered to vote in October she registered as a Democrat (something new). Either the volunteers at the polling place were ill-prepared or the information she read prior to that day was incorrect.

Another friend went to her precinct, was asked which ballot she wanted, received a Republican ballot and voted, without any questions or form to complete.

The inconsistencies among these voting experiences are a concern. My hope would be that necessary changes will be addressed. If the Republican legislature was intending to cause confusion, it certainly worked, but not necessarily just for the voters. In thinking about what occurred, yet another Idaho political “folly,” my thoughts run toward elephants causing a ruckus in their own circus.

SARAH MCLAIN

Coeur d’Alene