To the Editor
December 29 is Republican Registration Deadline to Nominate President on March 2, 2024
If of consequence, and I didn’t miss something, last session the Idaho legislature via bill 138 attempted to consolidate the presidential primary for Idaho, held in March, with the primary elections in May.  Instead of moving the presidential primary for Idahoans, the legislature eliminated the presidential primary for Idahoans.  The legislature did not fix their error. Consequently in Idaho, political societies (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian…), if they choose, will have to privately organize their own voting to nominate a presidential candidate.  In Idaho, the Idaho Republican Party (IDGOP) will hold a private statewide nomination for President on March 2, 2024 at 11am PST.  Local venues are being determined.   To vote in this nomination (caucus) a person must be 1) a registered voter, 2) affiliated with the Republican Party by December 29, 2023. That is only 2 weeks away.  If a person does not register and affiliate by the end of the year, they will not be allowed to vote.  (The only exception are those that turn 18 after that date).  Due to logistics, there will be no absentee or mail in voting.  Candidates will present a 3-5 minute presentation streamed from the Idaho Republican Website at 12pm.  After which voting will commence.  One vote and done.   Currently 6 persons have signed up as presidential candidates: Donald J. Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, Ryan L. Binkley.  I was able to read more about each candidate at www.idahorepublicancaucus.com.  To register and affiliate I understand  that:
· individuals can go to the courthouse with a passport, driver’s license, federal photo ID, tribal ID, concealed weapon ID, and proof of residency in Idaho County.
· Individuals may be able to visit their local city hall for registration.
· Or, individuals can go to www.idahocounty.org, click on drop down menu ‘offices’, then click on drop down menu ‘clerk’, then ‘election information’, finally, ‘voter registration and FAQ’.
Scott Perrin
Cottonwood