NEIGHBORS: Do you trust them?

Do you trust your neighbor to vote for you? That’s what happens when you forgo the right to cast your ballot. Their voice is counted and yours is silent.

You’ve probably seen the voter turnout statistics from the last few elections. According to VoteIdaho.gov, last year we experienced the exciting presidential election; 78% of Kootenai County registered voters showed up. Then, in May 2025, the number was quite a bit less, with 21.9%. Picture standing in line at Costco. Figure that only two, in a line of 10, voted. Those two decided for the other eight.

Does your city government need a shake-up or a fresh face? Some officials have been in office for quite a while. Is it time for new ideas, renewed energy or thinking outside the box? I live in Post Falls. We have a tough decision to make for mayor. One has many years of experience, another is young and has a vision for the future, and one has ideas of how to budget wisely. If I could wrap the three gentlemen into one, I’d have the ideal candidate. Post Falls is growing. It’s exciting and scary.

I am not going to tell you how to vote; there are enough organizations that do that, but I do want to challenge you to do your duty. The future belongs to those who show up. And one way to show up is to vote every time you have the privilege. I like my neighbors, but I am not ready to let them speak for me out of default. I will be voting.

JENNY HOLMES

Post Falls