Electioneering trial approaches
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
Laura Van Voorhees speaks out against social emotional learning at an Idaho Parents for Educational Choice event at the Statehouse in Boise in January.
Idaho Statesman file
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | August 18, 2022 1:06 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A former poll worker accused of misconduct during last November’s local elections is expected to stand trial next month.
Laura L. Van Voorhees of Hayden is charged with electioneering, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
A one-day trial is scheduled for the week of Sept. 6. Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Barry McHugh told The Press last year electioneering complaints are rare and that his office has not previously prosecuted any case related to electioneering.
The criminal complaint stems from Nov. 2, 2021, when Van Voorhees allegedly offered cards printed with information about critical race theory to voters while she worked at the polls.
Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic concept. The central idea is that race is a social construct and that racism is not just a product of individual prejudice, but also embedded in legal systems and policies.
CRT is taught at the college level, particularly in law school.
Idaho’s electioneering law specifically forbids circulating “cards or handbills of any kind” within 100 feet of a polling place.
Dave Eubanks, a retired teacher and former school board trustee, said he approached Van Voorhees at the polling place after he saw her offer a card to a voter.
He later filed a complaint with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted an investigation.
Van Voorhees is a member of Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s “Task Force to Examine Indoctrination in Idaho Education,” which aims to root out alleged teachings of “critical race theory, communism and Marxism” in Idaho schools.
During the task force’s first meeting last year, Van Voorhees blamed a poor relationship with her daughter in part on CRT teachings at her daughter’s former college in California.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
After two years of uncertainty, North Idaho College awaits the final decision as to whether it will retain accreditation.
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
After two years of uncertainty, North Idaho College awaits the final decision as to whether it will retain accreditation.
Kootenai County jail sees surge in immigration holds
The number of people booked into the Kootenai County jail on “border patrol hold” is increasing after President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders on immigration, while the sheriff’s office promised to continue to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.