OPINION: Open primaries will foster a stronger, truer Republican Party

Idaho's Republican Party is at a crossroads. The closed primary system we implemented in 2011 has distorted Idaho’s political landscape, forcing voters to join the GOP simply to have a voice in elections. This system has diluted the essence of our party and fueled special interest groups that thrive on low voter turnout and divisive tactics.

Consider the current reality. Since the closed primary was implemented, only registered Republicans can participate in the most meaningful elections in our state — our primaries. This year, in the 2024 Republican primary, only 206,902 Idahoans voted. That’s just 35.3% of registered Republicans and a mere 20% of all registered voters. This low participation rate signals a deeper problem.

The closed primary system forces anyone who wants a voice in Idaho politics to join the Republican Party. While this might seem like a win for our party, it is actually a double-edged sword. By requiring voters to register as Republicans to have any influence, we’re diluting our party’s core identity.

Instead of a solid, principled GOP, we’ve ended up with a “big tent” that is overflowing with people who don’t share our conservative values. Libertarians, Democrats, Constitutionalists, and independents who simply want their votes to matter have all joined our party.

Worse, the closed primary has empowered special interest groups, political elites, and fringe ideologues who only need to influence a small subset of voters to wield disproportionate power. This creates an environment where candidates cater only to narrow interests of primary voters, rather than building broad coalitions that reflect the will of all Idahoans.

Proposition 1, the Open Primaries Initiative, offers a solution that will restore our party’s integrity and ensure it remains a strong voice for Idaho conservatives. It proposes a non-partisan, top-four open primary system, followed by a general election where voters can rank candidates. This approach has the potential to revitalize civic engagement and strengthen the Republican Party.

With an open primary, all Idahoans — not just those registered with a particular party — can participate fully in the electoral process. This change would encourage candidates to appeal to a broader electorate, fostering a political culture that rewards coalition-building and practical problem-solving over divisive tactics.

This system removes any incentive to hide under the banner of another party and ensures election results accurately reflect the preferences of all voters. It will return the Republican Party to its natural size — a party defined by its commitment to limited government, individual liberties, and fiscal responsibility, not by the whims of a narrow faction. This reduces the need for backroom deals and vote-splitting strategies. Importantly, it allows the Republican Party to choose its candidates in a way that truly reflects the values of our members.

In the end, open primaries will foster a stronger, truer Republican Party — one that is more representative, accountable, and aligned with the values of Idahoans. It’s time we embrace this change, for the good of our party and our state. I urge you to learn about Proposition 1 and get ready to vote in November.

• • •

Hyrum Erickson, Republican Precinct Committeeman, Rexburg 

Volunteer, Idahoans for Open Primaries