BOISE -  Idaho Democrats recently issued a letter complaining about billboards informing voters of the new upcoming presidential primary election on March 8, put up by the Idaho Secretary of State as they do for every new election.

When the legislature approved March 8, an already existing election date, for a presidential primary date, all political parties were given a choice whether to use the new election and the benefits of doing so, or not to. Both the Idaho Republican Party and the Constitution Party chose to participate in March 8 primary. Democrats chose not to. Yet somehow, now the Democrats feel entitled to the benefits of participating without actually participating.

Idaho Democrats instead chose to continue using their exclusive closed caucus, a private party-run event, to select their presidential nominee. Primary elections, like the one on March 8, are elections run by the state that come with the features that allow the most access to Idahoans, including early and absentee voting.

IDGOP Chairman Steve Yates issued the following statement on the matter: "The Democrats complaint is invalid, untruthful, and nothing more than a shallow attempt to mislead voters and advertise their caucus -- an event that very few know about and even fewer will participate in. If they were serious about their complaint, serious about wanting a clear process for voters, or serious about being inclusive they would have joined the other political parties and switched to the presidential primary. They didn't. Now it's time for them to stop complaining about their decision and own it."

Idahoans may vote in the Presidential primary by heading to their normal polling location on March 8 and cast their ballot for who they want as the Republican Nominee for President. Absentee and early voting is available. Same day voter registration is available and voters may affiliate with the Republican party at their polling locations. For more information, visit www.idgop.org.

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