Need help with information on Voting in Idaho, etc

[Spangle]

Hi Guys,
I have an independent family member who moved to your area since the last major election. They registered to vote, but don't remember as what. They are not generally highly involved in politics, but usually vote in the major elections. Being rather new to the area, are clueless to the rules in the area. Since I'm in Florida, I can't answer their questions. Different state, different rules.

Does Idaho have open or closed primarys? Is there anything I should know about the primary process there, so that I can explain it to them?

Is it better to early vote there or regular vote? These days, it's different in each area, if you know what I mean? I don't want to mentioned they should do one or the other, unless I hear from those on the ground there. Can they early vote? Geezes, I just realized that might not be allowed there.

And just for my own nosiness, how is the state leaning in the primarys? I'm figuring Romeny on the GOP side. What about the Democratic side?

Thanks Guys!

[IDemo]

1. The Democratic caucus will be on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5

The primary election for Republicans is on May 27th. There is no voter registration or party affiliation required to participate in the caucus, just a signed pledge that you will be voting in that county in the general election. More information here.

The Republicans tried and failed to gain closed primaries after a number of people 'crossed over' to vote for Bill Sali last time, underestimating the willingness of Idahoans to vote for absolute idiots.

I think elections in general are conducted pretty well here, I have never experienced a long wait or any difficulty voting. I voted early last time and may again. You can register at the polls on election day, but I would do so earlier just to avoid another line.

You're probably right about Mittens gaining the Repub nod. Idaho has the second highest Mormon population after Utah, and that is sure to be a big factor in his favor. On the Democratic side, only the Obama supporters seem to have any presence here. They look quite motivated and may give him a runaway if nothing big happens for Edwards or Clinton over the next month.

I'm looking forward to caucusing for John Edwards. This will be my first time, so it should be interesting.

[Vanje]

2. Ron Paul signs dot the roadsides

along my daily commute from Homedale to Caldwell.

[idahogal]

3. Voting in Idaho

I have been a poll worker for several years. I think voting in Idaho is easy and fair. Sorry this reply is after the primary. I just found this post. Your friends probably already have found the information they need but here goes:

We do not register by party.
Primaries are open. You chose which party you would like to vote for when you receive your ballot. This time, republicans were on one side, democrats on the other. Instructions were to use one side only.
Democrats caucus so the presidential candidate has already been decided.
We have same day voter registration. Just bring a photo ID and proof of physical address such as a power bill or even a recent UPS package. Photo ID is not required to vote if you are already registered.
Voting early is encouraged if you will be working or out of town. Also easy if you live near the county seat. Just go to the courthouse and you can vote. You can also request an absentee ballot by mail.

Here is a link to my county election information: http://www.co.blaine.id.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={38D04107-0E17-46CA-AD14-67A64ADFBC61}

I hope your friends are enjoying Idaho.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

4. Democrats Don't Vote In Idaho - Instead, throw a small needle into the pacific trench...

then go get a trout fishing rig and throw the hook into the deep water and try to balance the pin on the hook and pull it out. When you are successful and the 10 other Democrats in the state do the same successfully on the same day a democratic issue will be approved and /or a democrat will be elected. My advice - move to a blue state.

;-) edited for misspelling

[Left Is Write]

5. Yes, actually, Democrats DO vote in Idaho. And we call. And we canvas.

And we DO count.