PROP 1: Misinformation abounds

I am compelled to address the misinformation in Ralph Ginorio’s letter to the editor of Sunday, Aug. 26 regarding Proposition One: Open Primaries and Ranked Choice voting.

Mr. Ginorio stated that with ranked choice voting “I would be compelled to indicate that the Communist would be my 4th choice.” No, that is untrue. Prop One allows ALL registered voters — Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Constitution Party members and unaffiliated (independents) — to choose their one favorite candidate in the primary election. Then, in the general election, voters may rank up to four of the candidates or they may choose just one. Voters have a choice. Prop 1 does not force anyone to rank a candidate that the voter doesn’t want or a candidate that the voter deems a harm to the community.  

According to the Secretary of State’s website, Idaho reached 1 million registered voters in March of 2024: 59% of registered Idaho voters identify as Republican, 27% of Idaho registered voters are unaffiliated, and 13% registered as Democrats. What Prop 1 Does do is allow 100% of registered voters to participate in primary elections.

For the past 12 years, Idaho closed primary elections have blocked over 270,000 registered voters from having a say in taxpayer-funded elections. Under Prop 1, registered voters in any political party, as well as unaffiliated registered voters, would receive the same primary ballot — and all would have one vote! For more accurate information you may go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBs4DR8vLmg to watch a three-minute video that explains Prop 1, Open Primaries and Ranked Choice voting. Also, you may attend a non-partisan, informational workshop at the Cd'A library on Oct. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. to obtain correct information. 

SALLY GIDLUND

Coeur d'Alene