Idaho primaries come next week

Idaho voters will head to the polls Tuesday for a primary election that includes races at the county, legislative, statewide and congressional levels.

Well, at least some voters will head to the polls. This election two years ago drew just 27.9% of registered voters statewide.

The turnout was especially dim in Nez Perce County (19.3%), while Latah County (24.5%) and Clearwater County (25.3%) were near the statewide total. Bright spots were in Lewis County (40.7%) and Idaho County (51.5%).

Voting will be done at regular polling places, and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Absentee ballots must reach the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, regardless of when they are postmarked.

In Idaho, voters must pick from one of five ballots. Those are Republican, Constitution, Libertarian, Democratic and unaffiliated. Only those registered with the Republican, Constitution or Libertarian parties can vote in those closed primaries. All voters, regardless of affiliation, can vote in the Democratic or nonpartisan primaries.

Those who aren’t registered to vote may do so at their polling place on Election Day by bringing a photo ID and proof of residency. Those who are unaffiliated may join a party on Election Day, but those who are already affiliated can’t switch parties at this time.

Marquee races

One of the most-watched Idaho Legislature races is the District 6 Republican primary that is for incumbent Dan Foreman’s Senate seat. Foreman is being challenged by Lori McCann, of Lewiston, who is leaving her House seat to run for the Senate.