Idaho

New Magic Valley group aims to boost voter turnout in Idaho primaries

Published

2 months ago

January 13, 2026

New Magic Valley group aims to boost voter turnout in Idaho primaries

TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A new organization in Idaho’s Magic Valley aims to boost voter participation in local elections, where Republican dominance means primary winners often secure final seats unopposed.

Magic Valley Voter Services outlined its goals at a press conference on Tuesday, focusing on increasing voter turnout, particularly in primary elections.

WATCH: Hear how a new organization is targeting low voter turnout

Magic Valley group targets low voter turnout in Idaho primaries

“The primary and the general [elections] are extremely important for this area,” said Dr. Steven Kohtz, a member of the South Central Medical Society.

RELATED | In Minidoka, every vote truly counts — all 16 of them

According to official election results from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, almost 28% of registered voters cast ballots in the 2024 primary, representing just 19% of the voting-age population.

Kohtz said the best way to get representation that speaks for more Idahoans is to increase participation in these elections.

“If enough people are voting consistently, then our legislators are going to be voting the way that the Magic Valley as a whole would want them to vote,” Kohtz said.

The group aims to energize voters and provide information to help them make informed decisions.

Lisa Hymas, another member of the organization, said the group also wants to hold lawmakers accountable on issues like education.

RELATED | A school board race was decided by one vote, but voters given the wrong ballot will now have a chance to vote

“I’ve had two kids graduate from Twin Falls High School. I have two more currently there,” Hymas said. “I am invested in seeing the public schools be a foundational part of the education in the state.”

Hymas expressed concern that legislators are listening more to outside interests than to those of local constituents.

“It does seem like these legislators are just leaning more toward voices that may come from out-of-state interest, and that’s not who’s voting, that’s not who’s living the real consequences of what happens,” Hymas said.

Kohtz noted that fewer local lawmakers have been attending the South Central Medical Society’s, an event that invites lawmakers to an annual dinner to discuss legislative priorities.

“This year in the Twin Falls area, we only had two out of the six legislators take us up on that, and that’s the second year in a row,” Kohtz said.

– This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Idaho

Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

Published

14 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

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Idaho

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Published

12 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

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The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-5

Night: 3-0-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-4-2

Night: 9-7-2-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

04-21-25-30-34

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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