Independents, here's your best opportunity

Last Sunday’s editorial “Independents, come join the fun” missed the mark just a bit by omitting the fact that the Republicans, apparently upon direction from the Secretary of State’s office, suddenly changed their rules for conducting their “closed primaries.” I find it “curiouser and curiouser” that the party which worked so hard to get a closed primary — took it to court and won on the grounds that it had the right of association — has suddenly found it OK to permit voters to change their party affiliation on election day so they could vote for a Republican presidential candidate.

Not only that, but our County Clerk got it completely wrong by telling The Press that Democrats could change their affiliation to Republican for the May 8 primary and then change it back in time to vote AGAIN at the Democratic caucus on March 22. What is this, the “Vote early and often” rule? This behavior is, in my opinion, a notorious example why an unbalanced government is not healthy for our democracy. If Independents want to return to responsive government, they need to help us achieve a better balance, in Kootenai County and in Boise.

Democrats practice the value of diversity by refusing to conduct a closed primary. We welcome voters of any party to vote in the primary, such as the May 17 primary for local and state candidates. The choice for Independents, without sacrificing their own precious value of private and independent thought, are several Kootenai County Democratic candidates. They are serious, reasonable, rational citizens who are committing time, treasure, and talent to meet voters and listen to their concerns.

These candidates’ platforms are grounded in supporting a healthy public educational system which attracts jobs and careers paying well enough to sustain, and keep in Idaho, healthy families who enjoy clean air and water and accessible, abundant recreational opportunities. They will join other Democrats who act as the conscience of the State Legislature, standing up for women, the disenfranchised, the poor, the ill, the working folks, the veterans of Idaho.

On March 22, Boswell Hall, North Idaho College, we Democrats invite you Independents to “come join the fun.” Really. If you are a Democrat (even though a “Rino” or Independent); are a qualified voter in Kootenai County or will be by Nov. 8; have not participated in any other presidential selection process, you are welcome. Reserve your seat at kootenaidemocrats.org asap, and do come early, well before 6 p.m. One qualifier, however: if you want to be an official delegate to the state nominating convention in Boise in June, you do have to be registered as a Democrat. A responsibility of a delegate, besides supporting the presidential candidate for whom you pledged at the county caucus and helping choose delegates to the national convention, is to participate in developing the state Democratic Platform which helps guide Democratic candidates for the next four years: you can publicly stand up for what you believe and get a respectful hearing. Really.

So, you don’t really have to betray your conscience to have a say: vote Democratic.

Paula Neils is Chair of the Kootenai County Democrats and Chair of the Kootenai County Democratic Caucus.