COEUR d'ALENE — The community is invited to attend the Elections 101 Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Coeur d’Alene Fire Station No. 3 Meeting Room at 1500 N. 15th St. in Coeur d’Alene.

Hosted by the Kootenai County League of Women Voters and Civic Engagement Alliance, the Elections 101 workshop is an educational, nonpartisan event to inform people on how to run for office and serve their community.

Guest speakers experienced in running for office and serving the public will share their knowledge.

Topics include:

• What’s on the ballot for 2022

• How to run for office

• Primary election facts and data

• Voter registration and engagement

• Engagement opportunities on the precinct level

• Opportunity for Q&A

The free event is open to all Kootenai County residents. Pre-registration is not required, but capacity is limited to 40 people. Light refreshments will be offered.

Attendees from all walks of life and knowledge levels are welcome.

Nancy Jones, who formerly worked as Kootenai County communications manager, is volunteering as lead facilitator and is coordinating guest speakers.

She said now is a critical time to get involved in community leadership.

"Many people are hesitant because they don’t know where to start," Jones said. "Our workshop is an opportunity for new and long-term residents to learn about the Idaho primary and even how to run for office. The truth is, it is easier than you think. We hope people of all ages and backgrounds will join us for the educational event. You have the power to make a difference."

Lisa Schaff, who is helping organize the event and facilitating the segment on precinct engagement opportunities, said that as a member of the Kootenai County League of Women Voters, her experience has shown her that voter registration and grassroots outreach is appreciated by the community.

"The purpose of the workshop is to provide nonpartisan voter information and promote voter access," she said. "The public benefits when people are aware of election resources and how to use them. A good place to start in getting involved in local politics is to run as a precinct committeeman, where you get to know your neighbors, promote voter engagement and share important voting dates.”

Board president of the Civic Engagement Alliance, Jessica Mahuron, said one of the values of the alliance is improving and promoting civic participation through education and outreach.

"A longtime goal of ours is to host civic learning opportunities in partnership with community members and leaders," she said. "We are happy to support public service-orientated community members like Lisa Schaff and Nancy Jones in organizing for this timely workshop. We hope that all attendees honor the nonpartisan, educational nature of the event in the spirit of civility and civic participation in elections for all community members.”

The workshop is timed just before the candidate filing period of Feb. 28 through March 11. County and state election filing forms and free notary services will be available for interested participants.

A valid and current government-issued ID is required to receive notary services.