OPINION: Idaho’s role in preserving the Electoral College
Dorothy Moon
Tuesday, Dec. 17, marked a historic day at the Idaho State Capitol, as the state’s four electors cast their votes for the president and vice president of the United States. This ceremonial event highlights the unique role Idaho plays in the Electoral College, our nation’s system for electing its highest leaders.
America does not elect presidents solely through the popular vote. Each state is assigned electors based on its representation in Congress. Larger populated states have more electors, while smaller populated states like Idaho have fewer. Idaho has had four electors since the 1910 Census, ensuring smaller states still have a voice in choosing our nation’s leaders — a principle the Founding Fathers believed was critical for balancing power between states of varying sizes. This system makes every state’s input matter, including Idaho’s.
When Idahoans cast their ballots in last month’s presidential election, they weren’t voting directly for their preferred candidate. Instead, they were voting for four individuals — Brent Regan (Kootenai County Chair), Jean Mollenkopf-Moore (Region 6 Chair), Doyle Beck (longtime Idaho Republican Party member), and Vicki Keen (National Committeewoman) — chosen by the Idaho Republican Party Elector Nominating Committee to represent the state’s popular vote result. These electors cast Idaho’s votes for Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance.
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