Few Voters Happy About Closed GOP Primary

The closed Republican primary has forced voters to declare a party affiliation before they fill out a ballot, and that becomes part of public record.

We all know Idahoans like their privacy, so it should come as no surprise that we couldn’t find anyone who was happy about the closed primary.

Registered Republican John Crooks was going to get asked a bunch of questions, and he was ready to answer just as many.

“A lot of garbage. I mean, the only thing they didn’t ask me was which way I tied my shoes.”

He said he came out to vote because he loves America, but he was not happy about this closed primary for his own party. “This is supposed to be a free country, and they’re putting these restrictions to inhibit,” he said.

These feelings cross the aisle.

Jenny Hawk is a Democrat and feels the same way. She said she doesn’t think it kept people away from the polls, but that it might make Idaho more partisan.

“So I didn’t like that particularly because I do feel that if you like someone and you think they’ll do a better job then you should be able to vote for them,” she said.

But with so many people at the polls uncomfortable, we figured it had to make some viewers stay home.

So we turned to Facebook.

On the Local News 8 page, Kevin Hill wrote, “It is nobody?s business what party I vote for but mine. So yes I am opting out.”

McKenzie Morris agrees. “Likewise. I was all prepared to vote this year until this change got approved.”

Konica Croft feels the same way. “Yes I am opting out! I feel that the partisan system is archaic and needs a major overhaul.”

And opting out isn’t just for those on social media. Some people opted out of voting for professional reasons.

Judges across the state boycotted the ballot because of their pledge of impartiality as a part of the justice system.

Magistrate Judge Rick Carnaroli said he knew he wouldn’t be voting today back when the primary was first closed, but he said he doesn’t feel slighted.

?Not at all because I’ve got the best job I’ve ever had in my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, not to vote in a primary that’s for sure,” said Carnaroli.