Idaho Lawmakers Consider Reinstating Presidential Primary After Low Caucus Turnout

Idaho’s Shift from Primary to Caucus

In 2024, Idaho transitioned from holding a presidential primary election to conducting a caucus for selecting presidential nominees. This change, however, resulted in significantly lower voter participation. Only about 7% of registered Republican voters in Idaho took part in the caucus, a stark contrast to the nearly 26% turnout during the 2020 presidential primary election.

Legislative Response to Low Turnout

The low turnout has prompted Idaho lawmakers to reconsider the decision to eliminate the presidential primary. Secretary of State Phil McGrane described the caucus turnout as “dismal” and emphasized the need for legislative action. The change to a caucus system occurred after a 2023 bill unintentionally removed the presidential primary election from the state’s electoral process.

Proposals to Reinstate the Presidential Primary

In response, the Idaho Legislature is reviewing at least two proposed bills aimed at reinstating the presidential primary. These bills offer different approaches to the timing and structure of the primary election.

House Bill 638

House Bill 638, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Harris, R-Lewiston, proposes holding the presidential primary in March, separate from the state’s May primary elections for legislative seats. The bill also includes a provision requiring presidential candidates to pay a $50,000 fee to appear on Idaho’s ballots. This fee is intended to help cover the estimated $2.5 million cost of conducting the primary.

Senate Proposal

Another proposal, introduced in the Senate State Affairs Committee, suggests holding the presidential primary in May, aligning it with other state primary elections. Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, who sponsors this bill, argues that the caucus system alienates many voters from the electoral process. However, details of this bill are not yet available on the Legislature’s website.

Importance of Primary Timing

The timing of the presidential primary is a critical factor in the debate. Historically, there has been a push for earlier voting to increase Idaho’s influence in the nomination process. Party officials have expressed concerns that by May, candidates may have already secured their party’s nomination, reducing the impact of Idaho’s vote.

Secretary of State McGrane has voiced support for a May primary, citing cost-effectiveness and the potential to boost voter turnout in other state primaries. Presidential elections typically see higher voter engagement compared to other elections.

“I’ve heard it resoundingly in my role that Idahoans want to be able to vote. Anything that the Legislature can do to restore the presidential primary to make that happen, I’m in support of,” McGrane stated during a House State Affairs Committee meeting.