IOP holding events in PR, Sandpoint

Local Idahoans for Open Primaries volunteers are hosting a series of events this month as part of the last push for the initiative signature drive in Legislative District 1. 

The events, which will take place in Priest River and Sandpoint, will give volunteers an opportunity to turn in signed petitions and allow voters to sign the petition if they haven’t yet done so.

The first event in Sandpoint will take place April 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St., in the north community room. A Priest River event will also take place April 13 between 1-3 p.m. at Tyee Coffee on High Street, between Main and Wisconsin. Depending on turnout, the group may add an additional event the next weekend. The last planned event in Sandpoint will take place April 27 from noon to 3 p.m., also at the north community room of Matchwood.

All events will have IOP volunteers on hand to answer questions about the initiative and assist voters wishing to check their registration status. Notary publics will also be on hand for volunteers to turn in completed signature pages. The LD1 volunteer leadership team expressed optimism about the events, and took the time to remind volunteers the importance of turning in signature sheets.

“Getting those signature sheets turned in early gives us time to properly turn them in to the county clerks, and gives the clerks more time to check them carefully,” said Catherine Brenner.

IOP volunteers emphasized that volunteers should plan to turn in any signed petitions they may have, even if the signature sheets are not totally filled, and that every signature that can be received and validated on time is important.

Volunteer leaders also emphasized that supporters of the initiative should come to the events to celebrate and socialize.

“We’re finishing this signature collection strong up here in our district,” added Brenner. “Let’s take some time to recognize our accomplishments before we begin the work for November.”

Idahoans for Open Primaries is a nonpartisan coalition of civic organizations and citizen groups supporting a ballot initiative to implement open primaries and ranked-choice general elections in Idaho. The coalition includes groups from across the political spectrum, including Reclaim Idaho, Veterans for Political Innovation, Republicans for Open Primaries, the Hope Coalition, and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. IOP is actively collecting signatures until April 27 to qualify the initiative for the Nov. 5 general election ballot.