MY TURN: Vote yes on Proposition 1 to reclaim Idaho's future

As election day approaches, there’s been a lot of discussion about Proposition 1. You may have seen signs around town speaking out against it. We believe this debate is about ensuring that every Idahoan has a fair chance to participate in our elections.

We’ve lived in North Idaho for over five decades, raising a family and growing businesses here. For most of that time, Idaho had open primaries. The 1909 Idaho Direct Primary Law established open primaries allowing voters to choose which primary they wanted to participate in. That system remained in place for 103 years until it was changed by the Idaho legislature in 2011. The old system allowed citizens to vote on the same day and to freely choose whichever ballot they wanted.

Since 2012, many people of Idaho are left out of the process by closed primaries.  

Proposition 1 can help change that by opening Idaho’s primaries to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to vote for the candidates they think will best represent their values and communities. 

We understand what it takes to make communities and businesses thrive. Strong communities are built on shared values, hard work and fairness. That’s why we support Proposition 1 — it gives Idahoans more and better choices, as well as stronger voices. Nearly 100,000 Idaho voters signed the petition to get this initiative on the ballot, showing widespread support for this grassroots effort. It’s clear that people want leaders who represent and are accountable to them.  

Proposition 1 is a chance to set things right. With our background in business and public service, we’ve always believed in the value of empowering others — whether it’s through job creation, education or simply giving back. That’s what makes a community flourish. Proposition 1 is about fairness and independence. It’s about giving everyone a voice in the process. Idaho’s elections should be open to all voters, whether they belong to a party or not. We believe Proposition 1 will help restore that fairness, ensuring that every Idahoan has the chance to be heard. 

In this election, we encourage you to vote yes on Proposition 1. It is a vote for the future of Idaho, a vote to keep our state true to its principles, and a vote to give every voter a say in the process. 

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Steve and Judy Meyer are residents of Hayden Lake. In 1975, they co-founded Parkwood Business Properties., a commercial real estate development company. Judy has been president of the State Board of Education, served on the NIC Trustee Board and served many years as a library trustee. Their shared interests include advocating for education, community progress and entrepreneurship.