OPINION: Voting as a Democrat is both simple and powerful

You are probably seeing political signs bloom everywhere — from inside your mailbox to the grassy corner of your neighborhood. A lot of people are very interested in reminding you that elections are coming. 

As strong defenders of the right to vote, Idaho Democrats are working hard to make voting accessible and simple. Your right to vote should be protected, encouraged, and supported. 

On Tuesday May 21, Kootenai County voters will decide which Republican and Democrat will move on to the November elections. Contested primaries include legislative seats, Kootenai County Commissioners, Kootenai County Sheriff, and Republican precinct captains. This election is being coordinated by the Kootenai County Elections Department. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find your polling place at https://bit.ly/MyVoteVenue. 

Kootenai Democrats don’t have any contested primary races on May 21. Our unified candidates are organized, energized, and focused on competing statewide this November. Democrats will launch our campaign for your vote May 29 at 6 p.m. at an event titled, “Forward Together.” For more details, visit https://bit.ly/DemsForwardTogether.  

Throughout the summer we will introduce you to many knowledgeable and experienced public servants who can bring balance back to Boise. 

On Thursday May 23, Democrats will decide who Idaho supports for President of the United States. This will be done through a caucus system. However, Democrats are working hard to make May 23 resemble as much as possible any election that you have participated in previously. 

Facing upheaval in their own divided party, a Republican-dominated Legislature changed the rules for Presidential Primaries this year. We hope that the 2024 caucuses will be the last of their kind. But it’s up to the Legislature to decide.

The Democratic Party Caucus will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on May 23 from 5-8 p.m., a prominent location that is accessible to all.

In addition to President Joe Biden, candidates Dean Phillips, Jason Palmer, Marianne Williamson, David Olscamp, and Armando Perez-Serrato are on the ballot. We encourage all to vote their conscience. 

Voting in the Democratic Party Caucus is easy. All Unaffiliated voters and Democrats are welcome. You can even register to vote at the Caucus. 

If you are a registered Republican, you can change your affiliation to Democrat that evening. You simply have to sign an affidavit saying that you did not participate in the Republican’s March 2 Caucus event. 

Our expanded participation reflects our belief that every voter, not just those who are active within the party, should have a voice in determining who represents them.

If you are unable to attend the caucus, you can vote absentee. It is crucial that our deployed military service members, working parents, and college students be empowered to exercise their vote. 

For more information and to obtain an absentee ballot visit: https://idahodems.org/caucus/. 

In addition to voting for their Presidential preference at the Caucus, Democrats will elect delegates to send to our June 21-22 State Convention held at the University of Idaho in Moscow. We are thrilled to have a statewide meeting of Democrats in North Idaho. 

At the Convention, delegates will revise our state party platform, and consider resolutions and bylaws changes. Attendees will also hear from inspiring speakers.

And finally, delegates to the convention will select the group of Democrats who will travel to Chicago in August to represent Idaho at the Democratic National Convention.

If you have any questions about elections, please reach out to Contact@KootenaiDemocrats.Org. 

Idaho Democrats are dedicated to making civic engagement simple and accessible. It’s just one more way we are building a More Perfect Union. 

• • •

Evan Koch is chairman of Kootenai County Democrats.