Political Party Registration Now Required in Idaho

by Senator Brent Hill

On March 2, 2011, a U.S. District Court declared Idaho’s primary election process unconstitutional, forcing the Idaho Legislature to re-write the statutes governing primary elections within the state. Working with the Secretary of State’s office, the Attorney General, the governor, and political party officials, Idaho lawmakers crafted legislation that would meet the constitutional requirements. Although most legislators were reluctant to make changes, they were obligated to approve a process that requires all voters to declare their party affiliation in order to participate in primary elections. Of course, no party affiliation is required in general elections where we can vote for candidates of various parties.

Although each political party may dictate which affiliated groups may vote in its primary, it is anticipated that every voting citizen in Idaho will have to indicate as a matter of public record which political party he wishes to affiliate with in order to participate in the primary election. Many Idahoans consider themselves to be “independents,” not necessarily inclined to support one political party or another. But unless they declare a party affiliation, they will only receive a ballot listing the nonpartisan races, such as judgeships.   

During the first partisan primary election that will be held in May 2012, voters will be able to declare their party affiliation at the polls where they will receive a ballot listing only the candidates of the party they have chosen. Voters will remain registered with the same party for subsequent elections unless they change their affiliation by re-registering with the county clerk within the established deadline prior to the next primary election.

Declaring one’s party affiliation as soon as possible becomes even more imperative due to the fact that both the Idaho Republican and Democratic Parties will be choosing their nominees for the United States presidency in caucuses prior to next year’s primary elections. On the first Tuesday in March, registered Republicans will caucus together in their counties to decide which presidential candidate will receive Idaho’s 32 delegate votes. Idaho Democrats will follow a similar caucus process on April 14. Political Party Affiliation Declaration forms can be obtained at the county clerk’s office or printed from the Secretary of State’s website at www.idahovotes.gov.

Some citizens resent being compelled to declare their affiliation with a particular political party, but to comply with the Constitution, Idaho will join other states that have long required party registration. We must not let this requisite discourage us from performing our right and duty to vote. The success of our republican form of government depends on our involvement as citizens. To preserve our freedom, defend our Constitution, and provide a better future for our children, we owe it to ourselves and our posterity to exercise our right to vote.

Voter’s Guide

Now                Complete the Declaration of Party Affiliation and return it to the county clerk’s office
March 6, 2012   Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus in each county
March 9, 2012   Last day to change your political party affiliation
April 14, 2012    Idaho Democratic Presidential Caucus in each county
May 15, 2012    Idaho Primary Election
Nov 6, 2012      General Election

I welcome questions at bhill@senate.idaho.gov.