Election Day gives voters the chance to have a voice and Coeur d’Alene voters had plenty to say.

Some voters such as Frank Darlington regularly come out to make their voices heard.

“Whether it's midterm, regular, or special elections, I vote,” he said.

For some like Evan Taylor, it was their first time voting in Coeur d’Alene. Ballot measures such as Prop 1 and the temporary Coeur d’Alene Public Schools tax levy were important to Taylor.

“I appreciate that we get the chance to vote on these issues,” Taylor said. “I wish we could vote on direct policies more instead of voting for a person who decides policies on your behalf.”

If passed, Prop 1 would essentially restore abortion rights in Idaho to what they were before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, overturning the state’s strict abortion ban. Jacklyn and Eric Jaks voted against Prop 1.

“I’m a mama of five, grandma of two, so I support life and think Idaho has enough in place already for emergency circumstances,” Jacklyn said. “I don't think it's OK that a 12-year-old can go and have that procedure done without the parents being involved.”

The school levy on the ballot would give Coeur d’Alene Public Schools $30.25 million each year for next two years to fund academic programs, classroom resources and staff salaries among other upgrades. The measure was supported by many leaving the polls.

“For the first time in my life I voted yes,” Angie LaMasa said about voting for the levy. “All the stuff I hear about teachers spending their own money on supplies, it’s crazy.”

Darlington, who was once a teacher in Wallace for three years, said he also voted for the levy, but felt Idaho wasn’t doing its job to properly fund schools in the first place.

“So many school districts have to do the levies because (education) is underfunded throughout the state,” Darlington said. “If a handful of them had to do it, you could understand. But when that many have to do it, it's obvious that the state is underfunding it.”

Idahoans voted for governor in this election cycle, choosing between three main candidates in incumbent Republican Brad Little, Democratic candidate Terri Pickens and Independent John Stegner. The Jakses said they voted for Little.

“He has his bad moments, but for the most part, I think he's doing a great job for the state,” Eric said.

Taylor was more indifferent toward the candidates.

“I don't care much about a lot of the politicians,” he said. “I think both sides of the aisle can do a good job.”

Regardless of where voters stand on issues and politicians, the voting process gives a chance to speak up about what they believe is best for their communities.

“One of the things about this country that separates us from a lot of other countries in the world, everybody has a chance to let their voice be heard,” Eric said. “Everyone who participates allows their voice to be heard, whether it's for something or against something.”

    Peter Heintschel smiles with his "I Voted" sticker on Tuesday.