All Idaho voters should vote in May 15 primary

The upcoming elections are the most consequential for Idaho in a generation. The Governor’s race, in particular, will affect our state’s future as we work through perennial challenges, such as ensuring our schools and systems of higher education are strong. Idaho’s new governor will also have to lead us through the complex challenges of our day, such as the opioid epidemic, declining school readiness for incoming kindergarteners, and the state’s aging infrastructure. I encourage all Idahoans to get educated about the candidates and vote in the primary election on May 15 when the top candidates for each political party will be selected. This election is the first step in selecting our next governor, and perhaps even more significant than the general election.

As President of the Metro Chamber of Commerce for 10 years I chose to remain nonpartisan and I registered to vote without joining a political party. I was not unlike many Idahoans. We have an unusual number of independent voters in our state who are fairly reliable Republican voters. This is in part a reflection of the independent Idaho spirit. Today I encourage those voters to join us in the Republican Party, with which I am affiliated today, so that we can have broad participation in choosing our party’s nominees for political office.

Previously, all voters could go to the polls on the primary election day and choose a Republican ballot regardless of affiliation. The Idaho Republican party closed its primary several years ago, and to participate, one must be registered as a Republican. If you are currently an unaffiliated registered voter, you may change your party affiliation up to and including the day of the primary on May 15. To check or change your status and affiliation, go on-line at www.idahovotes.gov.

In 2014 26 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in the Republican primary. All of these primary winners went on to win statewide office. It is sad to me as a citizen that only 26 percent of Idahoans had a say in all statewide offices. How can our elected officials reflect the entire electorate, if only a fraction are voting for these candidates? Too often we hear of lawmakers making calculated votes not even based on what their primary voters want, not the views of their constituents, or mainstream voters.

As an advocate for children and families, I also want Idahoans to hold candidates accountable for preparing the next generation to be our state’s future economic engine. We need to challenge candidates for all offices to talk about their solutions for issues affecting the families of regular Idahoans, such as the adequate funding of education (especially in rural Idaho), early learning initiatives, workforce development, healthcare, and family economic stability.

I urge all voters in Idaho to go online at www.idahovotes.gov and make sure they are registered to vote, affiliated with the Republican Party if they want to vote in the Republican primary, and mark your calendar to vote on May 15.

Nancy Vannorsdel

Eagle, Idaho