Calling all candidates: League of Women Voters wants to hear from you

The League of Women Voters of Kootenai County is asking all Nov. 7 election candidates to submit information, free of charge, in their own words, with their own photos, links and video, to the Vote411.org public voter guide.

Invitations are being sent to all candidates in contested races.

Candidates must provide campaign email addresses to beckyharro@gmail.com to participate. The candidates’ responses are scheduled to be published on the Vote411.org site by Oct. 10. Candidates’ own words and materials will be used, with a few simple rules for etiquette and decorum.

A core value of the League of Women Voters of Idaho is encouraging informed participation in government. The league offers Vote411.org, a nonpartisan, national database indexed by address and zip code with information on candidates in contested races, voting rules, ballot issues and other resources for voters. The site is active during elections, so it will go live mid-October for public office contested races and ballot questions.

Kootenai County voters will see three ballot questions on the Nov. 7 ballot. Other nonpartisan races in parts of Kootenai County may include school district trustees, mayors and city council members, as well as fire districts throughout the county. League members shared in a Monday news release the reminder that if a race is not contested, the sole candidate will be appointed to the position.

Visit www.kcgov.us to register to vote and/or request absentee ballots.

The Kootenai County Elections Office is at 1808 N. Third St., Coeur d'Alene. Phone: 208-446-1030.

Information is also available at idahovotes.gov.

The Kootenai County election schedule is as follows:  

• Voter registration closes Oct. 13 at the clerk’s office, or midnight online.

• After the close of registration, residents may register and vote on the same day at the elections office during early voting Oct. 23-Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• First absentee mail-out is Oct. 10. Visit www.idahovotes.gov to check voter records and to confirm if absentee ballots have been counted.

• The deadline to request absentee ballots is 5 p.m. Oct. 27 at the elections office.

• Regular, in-person voting at neighborhood polling places will be held Nov. 7.

Election Day registration is permitted at polling places. Registration is also permitted at the elections office during early voting. Proper photo identification and dated proof of residence may be required.

Newly legislated laws require “current” Idaho identification or driver's license, passport, tribal ID, federal ID or concealed weapons permit. Most importantly, even with confirmation of registration, prior to voting, election office staff or poll workers must verify proof of residency documentation, which may be received in person, by email or U.S. Postal Service with the elections office.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging active participation in government through informed voting. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. League policy is to never support or oppose any political party or candidate. Membership is open to men and women of all ages. The league has 800 affiliates across the country.