PRIMARIES: Unaffiliateds miss the real election

Soon it will be high school prom and award season — an exciting pinnacle for many teens. As a high school senior, I was awarded “Biggest Non-Conformist.” In my naïve youth, it seemed to be a badge of honor. In truth, I missed out on many experiences seminal to that time of life. Following the crowd isn’t laudable, but engagement is. And so it is with life as a conscientious and responsible adult. 

Idaho has a closed primary electoral process for Republicans which means only registered Republicans can select Republicans in primaries. Among Kootenai County’s almost 110,000 registered voters, over 22% are unaffiliated. Why does that matter? Because in Idaho, the Republican winners of the May primary election usually triumph in the November general election. 

Therefore, unaffiliated voters who have any conservative inclinations are relinquishing their voice (vote) to others — including some masquerading as Republicans. Disengagement has consequences. All of the following will be on the May 2026 Republican ballot, but unaffiliated voters will be unable to vote in any Republican races:   

State — US Senator, US House Rep, Attorney General, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Senate, State House Rep 

County — Assessor, Clerk, 2 County Commissioners, Coroner, Treasurer, Precinct Committeeman  

Are there upsides? Sure, for example, not having to bother to be informed. Is being muted worth that? 

People will disappoint us. It’s an unavoidable part of human nature. If disappointment in elected officials is the reason for being unaffiliated, consider the party platforms instead. It’s likely that one will resonate. Then, choose and register accordingly. Rather than non-conformity, dare to be an engaged citizen. It’s much more rewarding. 

MARIANNA COCHRAN

Rathdrum