It's time to restore Idaho's inclusive elections

The strength of our country, state, and communities lies in our freedoms and democracy. The more of our citizens who participate in our democratic elections the stronger and more representative we are. The people have proven time and time again that the best choices for our leadership are made by the majority of the people. 

The Open Primaries Initiative will restore full and fair elections to the State of Idaho for every registered voter, including ones who are independent or non-affiliated with a political party by ensuring the right to vote in every election. We are electing individual leaders not political parties to lead us and every citizen has the right to participate. Currently, in our closed primary elections, 270,000 registered Idaho voters (including half of our veterans) are blocked from voting because they are independent and not a member of a political party. Low voter turnouts in closed primaries mean that the majority of our leaders are nominated and elected by a minority of voters. Elections are publicly funded and every voter's voice is equal and important. Support our democracy by passing the Open Primary Initiative and restoring every citizen's right to vote to select our next generation of leaders in primary and general elections. Make every voter count.

GARY SUPPIGER

Cocolalla