EDITORIAL: More voter information needed for Idaho

When it comes to accurate information, which of these two statements would you choose:

a. Less is better

b. More is better

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is firmly in the b) camp, more accurate information for voters is better. That’s why he is trying again this session to create and distribute a robust voters guide statewide.

McGrane has initial strong bipartisan support. Last week, the Senate State Affairs Committee, which includes Coeur d’Alene Sen. Ben Toews, unanimously forwarded SB 1273 to the full chamber. 

Noting that states from which Idaho residents move often mail all registered voters unbiased, informative voter guides covering races and ballot issues at the local, county, state and federal levels, McGrane said his office is fully equipped to provide that public service.

McGrane attempted something similar last year, but after gaining easy Senate support the bill died in the House. Money isn't the issue. The thorough guide would cost no more to produce and mail than the simple voter pamphlets the state already distributes. It would go to 800,000 Idaho households and contain “uniform information about issues, measures, and candidates to be voted on.” 

Candidates would also be allowed to submit a photo and a statement, as well as campaign contact information.

According to the Idaho Capital Sun, a Meridian Republican said the bill would provide consistent info statewide.

“Those who are against it are those who are biased, and those who provide misinformation to voters,” Sen. Treg Bernt said. “If you’re honest, and if you provide honest information about candidates, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

The Capital Sun also cited a recent Boise State University Idaho Public Policy Survey that showed 78% of Idahoans favor a state-issued voter guide.

You can read more about the bill here: https://shorturl.at/gtwBE

If approved by the Senate and House, Gov. Brad Little would then be able to review the bill, sign it, allow it to become law by doing nothing, or veto it. 

The first statewide voter guide would then be mailed prior to the Nov. 5 general election.

The Press strongly supports the Secretary of State in his pursuit of this valuable legislation. Combined with robust local voter guides prior to primary and general elections, the state and The Press would provide voters sufficient information to make informed decisions.

Seriously question the motives of any who oppose it, including the Idaho Freedom Foundation. The IFF abhors honest efforts to tell voters what they need to know, rather than what IFF wants them to know.

More accurate information is good for Idaho.