Keep Sanders County elected officials non-political

Do you need to know what political party the Sanders County coroner aligns with? How about our county treasurer, clerk or sheriff? Do you believe their duties require these duly elected county officials to make decisions aligned with a structured political party platform, be it Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Green Party?

 Currently all of these county positions such as justice of the peace, school superintendent, commissioners, clerk of district court and others, are non-political positions that work for all Sanders County residents. County officials hold no loyalty to a political party agenda and therefore, we expect their decisions will be based on established plans, policies, laws, and public input. We expect them to use sound judgment on what’s in the best interests of all Sanders County residents. 

Why would we want more partisanship and politics in Sanders County? National partisanship has become toxic, creating divisions within our country and our communities. Loyalty to political party's makes it more difficult for elected officials to step outside the guardrails of their chosenparty’s agenda. Why would we want to expand a restrictive and ineffective approach to governing by requiring those seeking non-political positions to now declare a political affiliation? 

Just as concerning, if this resolution passes, not everyone will be able to vote for these county positions during the primary season. Primaries are used to select the single candidate who will be on the official ballot during the November elections. If each individual running for a county position has to declare a political party, then their name will only appear on their chosen party’s primary ballot.

 Traditionally, all Sanders County residents have been able to vote in the county primaries, regardless which ballot they choose (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Green Party), meaning all those running for county positions appear on all party primary ballots. If Resolution 2025-15 passes this November, this will stop, disenfranchising Sanders County voters. The question is what is the benefit of this proposal other than making our county more political and partisan. Haven’t we had enough of that? 

Below is the proposed language for the upcoming ballot initiative that you will have the opportunity to vote on this November.

FOR adoption of amending Sanders County’s current form of government, requiring partisan elections (political party identification for Sanders County elected officials) effective January 1, 2027.

 AGAINST adoption of amending Sanders County’s current form of government, requiring partisan elections (political party identification for Sanders County elected officials), effective January 1, 2027.

— Laura King, Noxon