A PRIMER FOR THE IDAHO PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ON MARCH 8
by Anita Perry
This Presidential primary, Idaho matters. With more delegates than Iowa and New Hampshire, there is a lot at stake for the presidential candidates still in the race. And given the state of our country, this Presidential election could well be the most consequential of our lifetime.
It has never been more important to turn out to vote, so please mark your calendar for these important dates:
March 2 – Last day for mailing in your absentee ballot application to the County Elections Office. It’s highly recommended that you do so earlier, as that is cutting it way too close for our postal service to deliver in time. You can download an absentee ballot application from the County Clerk’s website, http://bonnercounty.us/wp-content/uploads/absentee2016-1.pdf, or pick one up at the Elections Office, 1500 Hwy 2, Suite 124, Sandpoint.
March 4 – Last day for in-person Absentee Voting and Early Voting. You can do this at the County Elections Office, 1500 Hwy 2, Suite 124, Sandpoint, 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
March 8 – Election Day. Polls are open 8am to 8pm. Vote in person at your polling station, or turn in your absentee ballot to the County Clerk at 1500 Hwy 2, Suite 124, by 8pm. If you don’t know where your polling station is, contact the Elections Office at 255-3631, or check the website http://www.idahovotes.gov/AbsenteeBallot/Default.aspx
What you need to know:
The March 8 Presidential Primary will be just for the Republican Party and the Constitution Party. Both parties have opted for closed primaries, which means that only registered party members can participate. However, people can affiliate at their polling station on election day.
The Idaho Democratic Party will have a Presidential Caucus on March 22 in 22 county caucuses. Voters may affiliate with any political party on Election Day, March 8th, or change their affiliation. The Bonner County Democratic caucus takes place at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 5pm and close at 6pm. The Boundary County Caucus is at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 4:30pm and close at 6pm.
The Candidate Field:
Republican Party candidates currently number five (although your ballot will still show other candidate names who have dropped out since December):
Donald Trump
Marco Rubio
Ted Cruz
John Kasich
Ben Carson
Constitution Party candidates:
Arlon Scott Copeland
Patrick Anthony Ockander
John “J.R.” Myers
Democratic Party candidates:
Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders
**Editors Note: This Primary is for the Presidential Candidates ONLY. There will be another Primary Election for all other candidates on May 17, 2016
Please note! Some school districts are having levy votes on March 8 so be sure and check with the registrar’s office. Lakeland #272 and Kellogg are two we know of for sure.