Why your democratic primary vote matters

Many Idahoans register as a Republican, even though they disagree with that party’s Central Committee and its extremist agenda, just so they can vote in that party’s closed primary election. 

These “crossover” voters may believe they can moderate the extremist GOP leaders who, among other things, approved a voucher system that takes millions from our public schools to send tax breaks to the wealthiest Idahoans.

In reality, crossover registration and voting are ineffective. Crossover registration inflates Republican numbers and makes our state appear redder than it really is.

And the few moderates who do get elected vote with the extremists anyway. 

Safety from the GOP’s plundering can only be found by becoming unaffiliated or registering as a Democrat. These moves build a clear and powerful alternative to the extremist GOP agenda.

2026 is a turning point for American democracy.

Nationwide, the Democrats are over performing, having won the vast majority of this year’s state and local elections. RealClearPolitics reports the Democrats have a 5.8-point average lead on the 2026 generic ballot.

Idaho voters should take this opportunity to reject extremism and dysfunction in favor of politics that does not leave working families behind.

In Kootenai County, Democrats have a robust slate of candidates vying for federal and state offices. This surging enthusiasm among Democrats extends to races for the Idaho Legislature as well. 

Our candidates are unopposed in the May Primary Election, so their names will not appear on the May ballot. Look for them in November.

Any Idahoan may vote in the Democratic primary, simply by requesting a Democratic ballot. That is because we know that most Idahoans share a common set of values. They believe in open access to public lands, affordable health care and fully funded public schools.

When Democrats cross-register, they deprive vision-aligned candidates of the support needed to build momentum.

We cannot rely on the so-called moderate Republicans to fix what is beyond repair.

The closed GOP election system stands in the way. It keeps power concentrated, shuts voters out and reinforces the idea that nothing can change.

Moderate and Independent voters should not play a supporting role in the GOP’s closed election system.

By participating fully in the Democratic primary, voters make a distinct and principled choice. They recognize that Democrats offer a real alternative, a growing coalition and a path back to balance in Idaho politics.

By standing firm in our Democratic Party identity and voting consistently with Democratic Party registration, voters encourage honest and fearless dialogue. They ensure the two-party system remains a powerful, undiluted vehicle for the people's voice.

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Evan Koch is the first vice-chair of the Idaho Democratic Party.