Democrats need to keep their options open

March 15 is an important date for Democrats who want to participate in our democracy by voting on the Republican primary ballot on May 21.

Voting in a primary election is your best option for getting a candidate who supports your values into the Idaho Legislature. For example, the May primary will see a re-run of Republicans Jim Woodward versus Scott Herndon for District 1's Idaho Senate seat. These candidates have drastically different positions.

In November, there is one ballot and you vote for any candidate. But the primary election is different. You must consider carefully which party’s ballot you want. The Republicans “closed” their primary, so only registered Republicans can vote on their ballot. March 15 is the last day a Democrat can switch to Republican (unaffiliated can change through election day). After March 15, Democrats will not be allowed to choose between primary ballots.

Your vote in the primary carries a lot of weight. Turnout is low and,  typically, the winner of the Republican primary wins the general election in November. Please register to vote or check your registration at voteidaho.gov, choose “voting” in the menu bar and register Republican. You can sign up for a “no-cause-needed” absentee ballot at the same time.

But what if you register “R" and later decide you want the “D” ballot? Since Democrats do NOT a have closed primary, you can still pick the “D” ballot.  

It makes sense to keep you options open and affiliate as Republican by March 15.

JEAN GERTH ANDERSON

Sagle