Forum looks at ballot-initiative process

Sponsored by DART and the Kootenai County League of Women Voters, the forum begins at 5:30 p.m. It will explore the history, impact and future of Idaho’s century-old direct democracy system.

The discussion comes as Idaho voters prepare to consider HJR4 on the November ballot. Supporters and critics of the proposed constitutional amendment argue it could significantly affect the ballot initiative process and citizens' ability to place issues before voters in the future.

Idaho added the initiative process to its Constitution in 1912, and it has been used to enact several major reforms, including creating the Department of Fish and Game in 1938, passing the Sunshine Law in 1974, and approving the Homeowner’s Exemption in 1982.

Featured speakers include constitutional scholar David Adler, president of The Alturas Institute and a former professor and public policy director at Idaho’s three public universities. The U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts and members of Congress have cited Adler's work.

Joining him will be Luke Mayville, co-founder and executive director of Reclaim Idaho. A North Idaho native, Mayville led the successful 2018 ballot initiative campaign to expand Medicaid in Idaho, which passed with 61% voter support. He holds a doctorate in political science from Yale University and previously taught at Columbia University.

Organizers say the event aims to give voters historical context and a deeper understanding of the role ballot initiatives have played in Idaho government over the past century.

The forum is open to the public.