Anti-Prop 1 signs are an offensive and inappropriate misuse of the Idaho State Seal | Opinion

Idahoans for Open Primaries have raised $5.5 million as part of their efforts to pass Proposition 1.

Idaho seal

As a proud native son of Idaho, I am writing about an offensive and grossly inappropriate misuse of our state’s symbols. I have seen political campaign signs with the Great Seal of the State of Idaho next to “vote NO on Prop 1”. This conveys the impression that the State of Idaho is endorsing this political advertisement. In Idaho we value freedom and integrity; using the state seal for partisan purposes to deceive and manipulate us into voting a certain way violates both.

On behalf of all Idahoans that passed fourth grade Idaho history, I am insulted by the Secretary of State’s recent statement that they “do not feel the signs conflict with guidance on using the State Seal.” This is an embarrassing abdication of responsibility by the Secretary of State, who is charged by our constitution to keep the seal.

I join former Idaho Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones in asking our Attorney General Raúl Labrador to issue a cease and desist letter regarding the signs. I further ask our Secretary of State Phil McGrane to release a statement clarifying whether the State of Idaho is in fact endorsing a political campaign and authorizing their advertisements.

Justin Gaupp, Boise

No on Prop 1

Vote no on Proposition 1. Proposition 1 states “Second, the measure would require a ranked-choice voting system for the general election.” This proposal has received little attention, and little to no scrutiny. Experience proves why this is a dangerous voting method. In 2009, Burlington, Vermont, used a ranked-choice system for electing a mayor, with disastrous results (see How Not to Be Wrong, Jordan Ellenberg, 2015, pp. 384-387). The candidate with the most first place votes did not win; the candidate with the most overall votes did not win; the less preferred candidate won– Bob Kiss. How did this benefit Burlington? For example, with Mayor Kiss’ knowledge, his Chief Administrative Officer loaned a local telecom company $16.9 million in violation of city charter and state regulations. Elections are too important to conduct an experiment, by replacing a well-established method of electing officials with one that is demonstrated to have poor and unrepresentative outcomes. While there are no guarantees, an official elected by one vote per candidate is likely to be competent. However, a ranked – choice vote guarantees that a less competent, less favorable individual could win an election. Vote NO on Proposition 1 so we can avoid potentially disastrous results.

Samuel McDowell, Hailey

Congress

Open letter to Idaho’s congressional delegation, Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Rep. Mike Simpson,

How did you three rationalize your opposition to the bipartisan proposal for border security? Your de facto leader, former president Donald Trump, instructed Republicans to reject it; but was that a good reason for your opposition? Republicans threw away all the hard work accomplished by the bipartisan group just so it would not appear that the Biden administration had made progress on this terribly desperate immigration problem.

And what did you and your fellow Republican legislators offer instead? Nothing useful.

Please stop your continued opposition to President Biden’s work for the American people. It would be more helpful to your constituents if you worked WITH your fellow representatives and senators to find solutions rather than complaining about Democrats and President Biden.

Find a way to work positively with your fellow legislators, ALL of them. President Biden will be in office until Jan. 20, 2025. Stop wasting time and taxpayers’ money by standing in opposition to so many things. Step up and offer ideas.

Mary Ruckh, Boise

Yes on Prop 1

Return to Idaho values: Vote yes on Proposition 1.

I am mystified by the opposition to Proposition 1 and the claim that ranked choice voting will “californicate” Idaho. California does not have ranked choice voting on a statewide level. Alaska and Maine do, and they have maintained their political identity.

Open primaries and ranked choice voting will allow all registered Idaho voters to vote in the primary election for the candidate they prefer regardless of party. No party affiliation, no problem. With ranked choice voting, the candidate that wins has a majority of voters behind them not the limited plurality we have seen in recent elections. All candidates will want to appeal to as many members of the electorate as possible in order to win.

I’m hoping that these candidates will champion Idaho values and solutions to the many problems we face as a state. And our elected officials will propose bills crafted in collaboration with citizens and other legislators, not just bills written by out-of-state interests and lobbyists that are an affront to the majority of Idahoans.

This is how we return to Idaho values: by assuring all Idahoans have a voice and voting yes on Prop 1.

Elizabeth Noonan, Boise

Amendment

The Legislature’s proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution would provide “that individuals who are not citizens of the United States may not be qualified electors in any election held within the state of Idaho.” Huh? So, if you’re not a citizen, you can’t vote for president of your garden club. I guess those who say this isn’t needed (it surely isn’t) because it doesn’t do anything new (except create another document obstacle to civic voting) are half right: every election in Idaho, garden club, corporate board of directors, etc., will have a citizenship test if this passes. Might our esteemed legislators have been a tad too hasty in drafting this? Vote “no” on this botched version of a bad idea.

Jim Runsvold, Caldwell

Prop 1

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Idaho’s Proposition 1, the Open Primaries Initiative.

This initiative is a groundbreaking step toward a more inclusive and representative electoral process in Idaho. By allowing all voters, regardless of party affiliation, to participate in primaries, we empower individuals and ensure that elected leaders truly reflect the diverse views of our community.

The introduction of ranked-choice voting further enhances this by promoting candidates with broad support, reducing polarization, and encouraging cooperation.

Proposition 1 is a vital reform that will strengthen our democracy and improve leadership in Idaho. I strongly encourage voting yes on Prop 1.

Steven Groothuis, Meridian