OPINION: You are officially elected … now what?
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., holds a news conference on the 6th day of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Johnson is keeping the House out of session for the second week in a row during the shutdown. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Yesterday’s nonpartisan election reminded us of an important truth. Regardless of how candidates campaigned — or whose partisan dollars fueled them — those now elected are accountable to all the people, places, and taxpayer resources they serve. That includes all of us.
In Idaho, our state constitution begins, “We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this Constitution.”
We the people notice when elected representatives abandon that commitment.
Accountability isn’t partisan — it’s the duty every citizen has to ensure their leaders work for the common good.
There are three ways every Idahoan can help hold our leaders accountable.
First, understand the issues and be humble enough to change your opinion with new, high- quality information. Look for opinions written by people who feed their kids through SNAP benefits — or seek feedback from food pantries. Cold call a Medicaid broker and ask honest questions. If you’re concerned about public education, volunteer to read with kids in a classroom. Think elections are rigged? Become a certified poll worker. When we see issues through human eyes, politics becomes less about ideology and more about people. It’s tempting to stay in our social media bubbles, but true understanding requires direct engagement.
Second, once you’ve done your homework, share your perspective with those in your immediate circle. Write a short, straightforward letter to the editor. Your words might shift someone else’s understanding — or remind an elected official that their constituents are paying attention.
Finally, call or email your representatives, both locally and at the state level. You’ll likely reach a polite, professional staffer who will record your concern. These messages matter more than you think. Idaho politicians may campaign with bravado, but their offices still listen — and tally constituent voices.
Never give up.
As we move forward from this election and into another legislative session, remember: Those elected now represent us all — Democrat, Republican and Independent alike. Their allegiance is not to party power or campaign donors, but to the Constitution they swore to uphold and the people of Idaho.
Let’s hold them to that promise — and, together, continue the work of building a more perfect union.
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Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.