PROP 1: I'd rather be an independent

I’m confused by the fact that the very people who have such disdain for those they refer to as “RINOs” are also the ones urging Idahoans to vote no on Prop 1. These people must realize that many Idahoans who have registered as Republicans are those who used to identify as independents, Democrats, or something other than Republican. Do they want those “RINOs” to continue as imitation Republicans? Do they want them to continue to “taint" their ranks? If so, a no vote makes sense. If not, it doesn’t.

Because the current closed party system in Idaho does not give Idahoans the freedom to vote for the candidates they prefer in the primary elections, in order to do so, we are essentially forced to register as Republicans if our preferred candidate(s) is on the Republican ballot.

As a former independent who was at one time able to vote freely in Idaho, I was confused and unhappy the first time I was denied a Republican ballot in the primary. I was told if I wanted the Republican ballot, I had to register as a Republican. At the time, I didn’t like the idea of being forced to be a Republican so I declined. However, since that time, I decided that it was more important to be able to vote even with an insipid R after my name than allowing my choice to be denied, so I registered as a Republican.

I would be quite happy to return to my status as an independent rather than carry on as a “RINO.” I want all Idahoans to have that choice. That’s why I’m voting YES ON PROP 1.

TERRI BOYD-DAVIS

Coeur d’Alene