EDITORIAL: Tune up the town halls and forums

Idaho Democrats, being in a distinct minority, would welcome any overhaul of the system that might cut into their electoral deficit. As it stands, there are twice as many unaffiliated voters in the Gem State as registered Democrats. Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than five to one.

It is also true that the Republican officials with a stranglehold on state politics will do almost anything to maintain their iron grasp. Even if every unaffiliated voter sided with the Democrats, Republicans would still outnumber their combined forces by 19%, yet paranoia bordering on hysteria reigns.

Both major parties are exceedingly motivated to take sides on the question that will appear on the Nov. 5 Idaho ballot — the matter of changing the structure of elections starting next year.

Democrats certainly have much to gain and the faction of the Republican Party that’s in control unquestionably has much to lose if primary elections uniformly invite unaffiliated voters to join the fun. 

Then, in the general election, ranked-choice voting would pit the four leading vote-getters from each primary race against each other regardless of party affiliation. Voters rank candidates in order of preference. If one gets a simple majority of votes in the general election, that person wins. Otherwise, the candidate with the broadest voter support emerges victorious.

Now, what’s so complicated about that?

With the general election rapidly approaching, you are hearing concussive broadsides from captains mortified not just by competition but by participation. The proposed election changes would most benefit the only disenfranchised group in the state: every one of the 273,862 unaffiliated voters who wish they could cast a ballot in the Republican primary but have been banned from participating.

So listen to arguments for and against the ballot measure with a keen ear. 

With a skeptical eye, read persuasive pieces that make allegations running from well-founded to far-fetched. 

But by all means, get both sides; that’s the only way to make an informed decision.

If you think the changes will lead to better, more representative government, then you will vote “yes” on the Nov. 5 ballot initiative. And if you think otherwise, you’ll vote “no.”

But to get to that confident "yes" or "no," some work needs to be done.

Between now and Nov. 5, organizations ranging from service clubs and churches to chambers of commerce and area nonprofits should bring in knowledgeable proponents from both sides of the question. Let them debate their positions. Let them answer attendees' questions.

Long after fascination with the 2024 presidential election wears off, this ballot measure's success or failure will continue to impact every single Idahoan.