Bonneville County Launches Online Precinct-Finder Ahead Of May 15 Primary

It may not even be on voters’ radar yet, but the May 15 Idaho primary is coming up fast.

Commissioners wrapped up a lengthy redistricting process in late January, and voters could arrive at the polls to find themselves in completely different precincts this year.

One eastern Idaho county is making it easier for folks to get informed without even stepping outside, or even logging off their computers. Bonneville County is gearing up for primary season with a website feature to bring potential complications to a minimum. County election manager Bobbie Jockumsen said every election year is stressful.

“Lots and lots of calls, especially on election day,” she said.

Phone call after phone call leaves a ringing in Jockumsen’s ear each election season. Her office is quiet right now, and thanks to a new county website feature created by geographic information analyst Kirk Becker, it could stay quiet through next month’s primary.

“It has who your representatives are, other elected officials that are pertinent to your precinct, things like that,” he said.

Type in any address, and users even get a map and directions to the correct polling place. As new area candidates begin official campaigns like state house hopeful Ron Lechelt did in Idaho Falls on Tuesday, Becker said it’s no accident the county is introducing the new resource right now.

“I think it’s a very timely application,” he said. “When we started the redistricting project, we had this end in mind. So we were able to complete the redistricting and then apply it to the application almost immediately.”

It’s a resource, said Jockumsen, for voters and candidates alike.

To try the Bonneville County interactive map and election guide, visit The Bonneville County Elections page at http://www.co.bonneville.id.us/index.php/elections