Use your voice in May 19 primary election

Why does May 19 matter? Idaho’s primary determines which candidates in contested races are in the general election. Yet in 2024’s presidential/statewide primary, only slightly more than 34% of Idaho registered citizens participated, meaning one elector spoke for every 66 non-voters.

What’s more deafening? As of February 2026, 6,200-plus Bonner County registered voters are “unaffiliated”–not aligned with any political party. Although unaffiliateds cannot vote in the closed Republican Primary unless registered as such, ANY registered voter can request an open Democratic Primary ballot. Your homework: see your precinct’s Democratic ballot and get the very best candidates into Nov. 3’s general election.

Make your voice heard in the primary: 

1. Register or confirm your voter registration is current: voteidaho.gov 

2. Designate Democrat party before or on May 19, OR request a Democratic ballot at the county clerk’s voter office or your polling place. 

3. Research all candidates and vote.

Need more voting information? Visit grassroots One Million Rising Sandpoint’s table on May 9 and May 16 at the corner of Oak Street and Fourth Avenue during Sandpoint Farmer’s Market Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enter their drawing for a chance to win a LaChic Boutique gift card.

ARLEEN LOTHIAN

Dover

Acting Chair, Bonner County Democrats