Proposition 1 mythology, from a combat vet

I am a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, quite highly decorated. During my tour as a combat helicopter pilot in the 101st Airborne, I was shot down over hostile territory three times — I am most certainly not a "Weekend Walz" warrior. 

But I am truly embarrassed by the endorsement of a small group of Idaho veterans, including a former governor, who are supporting Proposition 1 this November — otherwise known as Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting.  

The foremost message of Veterans for Idaho Voters (v4iv.org) seems to be that independent voters — especially many military veterans — are somehow excluded from the voting process, also described as being “disenfranchised.” 

I’m sorry, but that is simply not true. 

Independent or unaffiliated voters are free to associate with any party and participate in Idaho primaries. And just like all registered voters, independent or unaffiliated voters are free to vote for whomever they wish in the November general elections. 

To suggest otherwise is simply untrue, and it is an effort to deceive Idaho voters. 

Proposition 1 attempts to turn red states blue, as in Alaska where residents are trying to overturn RCV after only one election. 

So who are the Prop 1 backers in Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and elsewhere? Great question.

"Veterans for Idaho Voters" claims to represent military vets, but they most certainly do not represent me or any of my cadre of fellow veterans. How many are actual combat vets?

Please be an informed voter, and vote no on Proposition 1 in November.  

For more information, see SecureIdahoElections.org 

TED OLSON

Sagle