Local lawmakers on upcoming caucus, 2024 legislative session

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce held its Legislative Preview Monday.

Lawmakers from Bonneville County took part in a questions and answer session, responding to questions from local businesses, city government and media.

Lawmakers were asked about the upcoming Republican presidential caucus in Idaho. The Idaho Legislature inadvertently eliminated the presidential primary election by passing House Bill 138 in 2023. As a result, both the Idaho Republican and Democrat parties are scheduling spring caucuses instead of primaries.

While lawmakers on the panel were in agreement that bringing back a presidential primary will be a topic at the 2024 legislative session, not all are in agreement about holding a caucus instead of a primary.

"I'm fine with it," Representative Marco Erickson of District 33 B said. "I've always told everyone I think we don't care as long as we get to vote. I don't care how we do it. Just do it. I want to vote. Make sure my opinions, [what] the party wants one way or another. I don't have an opinion other than I just want to have my voice heard."

State Senator Kevin Cook has a different view.

"I'm not a fan of the caucus simply because it doesn't give everyone the chance to vote. It eliminates some of those. If you're there's a set time, there is no mail in ballot. There's no early voting. The last caucus we had here, I think we were up until midnight."

The Idaho Republican Caucus is scheduled for Mar. 2, 2024. The Idaho Democrat Caucus is scheduled for May 25.