Vote for those who best represent views

Absent anyone else explaining the nature of the forth coming elections let me explain how it is supposed to work:

First of all anyone can run for public office in Idaho and as a member of whatever party they happen to favor. Candidates usually choose the party  with whom they have had a long relationship and whose principles they support Then there are some who run in the race they think they are more likely to win,party affliation aside

The purpose of the primary is so that the party you prefer may select the candidate most likely to win in the General election next November.

In the primary the voter gets to chose one ballot or the other. This is where it gets sticky. You can vote to select  the candidate you favor in your party. You can’t vote for a candidate in the other party no matter how charming. Locally it seems to be a fun thing to “cross over” to distort the results, There are many reasons for this deceptive practice. No matter what the rational the practice distorts the campaign and makes a mockery of the two-party system.

 If you want to see what happens when the voters try to outsmart themselves  read up on what is happening in England right now or for that matter most European elections.

Never has the need to participate in the process been greater Not voting simply says you really don’t care and you are willing to forfeit your right to complain about the system. Democracy is a treasured right. If you don’t think so move to Cuba or Venezuela where your vote is meaningless.

So vote in the primary. Vote for the members of your party who best reflect your principles and don’t join the people who think crossing over is clever. It is intentionally disceptive and as a voter you have a higher calling.

PAUL RECHNITZER

Sagle