In a recent article, our state senator, Scott Herndon, says, “Idaho used to have open primaries in the early 2000s … A federal court enjoined Idaho from having open primaries …” (Daily Bee, Sept. 30; "Voting Initiative Sparks plenty of conversation") He also says, “The initiative is not actually for an open primary.”

Everybody used to be able to vote for whichever party they chose, but only for one. Now, we can't vote in the Republican primary unless we are registered Republicans. The Idaho GOP has changed their registration requirements, making it harder to vote in their closed primary.

The “Open Primary Initiative” does not reopen the closed Republican primary. Rather, it makes a single primary ballot and opens it to every candidate who qualifies to run, regardless of party. It opens the primary to all voters, including the many unaffiliated voters.

The top four vote-getters go on the general election ballot. That's more choices for voters. 

Government works better when there is more participation and support from voters. That's why I signed the Open Primaries Initiative.

Please join me in supporting this initiative so we can truly say we are a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

NANCY GERTH

Sagle