COEUR d'ALENE - National, state, local, oh my.

A number of issues are driving Coeur d'Alene voters to their polling places today, election Tuesday, from the future of education in Idaho to who will be the next president of the United States.

Kootenai County sheriff is also up for grabs, as is the possible structure change inside county government.

But perhaps unsurprisingly, choosing the next commander in chief ranked high on Coeur d'Alene voters' reasons for going to the poll today, as all pressing national issues, such as economic recovery, run through the leader of the free world.

"The economy," said Jeff Asher, on his primary reason to vote. "Get us back to work."

The contractor had to take a second job a couple of years ago to make ends meet. He said he's looking forward to when his main work picks up enough for good, so he doesn't have to juggle the second job. He's optimistic that day will come if President Barack Obama, who took office as the Great Recession hit, earns a second term.

"I think he's helped out a lot," he said.

On the other side, are voters like Charlie Peterson, whose chief concern is ensuring Obama doesn't see another four years. Deficit spending, partisan divides, and liberal political approach are reasons he said he can't support the incumbent.

"Getting rid of the president," he said of his big ballot issue. "I don't know if there's any one thing he's done that I agree with."

The most important local issue, voters said Tuesday, is the fate of Propositions 1,2 and 3. Those aim to reshape education across the state, from limiting collective bargaining rights for teachers while paying them merit bonuses through performance, while arming kids with laptops for more online learning.

"I believe the union approach just results in overall mediocrity," said Paul, of Coeur d'Alene, who didn't want to give his last name, on why he supports the propositions. "I know that bends the unions out of shape, but so be it."

And on the other end?

Patt Luce, of Sagle, said the Republican party is warring against anyone who isn't wealthy like she has never seen before, such as on teachers.

"I don't think collective bargaining should be taken away from the teachers," she said, of the propositions brought forward by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, a Republican. "The Republican party is not the Republican party of years ago ... This election is more pressing, and bigger than any election I've ever voted in, and I'm 65."

Several state Senate and legislative seats are on the ballot as well. Kootenai County voters will decide whether the county should change its governing format by creating an administrator position. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check out polling places atwww.kcgov.us/elections/