COEUR d’ALENE — The Legislature has passed a bill that would separate the 2016 presidential primary election from the rest of the primary races in May.

If the governor signs the bill, the presidential primary will be held on the second Tuesday in March, which is the beginning of the primary season nationwide.

“From an election standpoint it’ll take a little extra effort,” said Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon. “But we are ready for this.”

Brannon, a Republican, said the elections division plans and budgets for four elections each year in all 70 precincts in his county. He said the wildcard will be the turnout, which may require more staffing.

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