Idaho voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, but one race missing from the ballot is the presidential primary, which was canceled by state lawmakers last year. Idaho Democrats will hold presidential caucuses on May 23 instead, with President Joe Biden facing minimal opposition. The caucuses will function more like a party-run primary, with printed ballots and set polling hours.
In the upcoming state primary, the top race on the ballot is the Republican primary in the 2nd Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Mike Simpson seeks a 14th term. He faces two challengers who are closely aligning themselves with former President Donald Trump. Water management has been a key issue in the district, with Simpson’s proposal to remove hydroelectric dams on the Lower Snake River causing controversy.
The state primary will also feature 18 contested state Senate primaries and 38 contested state House primaries. All 35 state Senate and 70 state House seats are up for election this year, with many of the primaries being uncontested. The primary and caucuses will be held on different days, with polling hours varying depending on the event.
Only registered Republicans can participate in the Republican primary, while registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters can participate in the Democratic primary. The delegate allocation rules for the Democratic presidential caucuses in Idaho follow the national party’s standard rules, with the delegates distributed based on the statewide and district vote results.
The outcome of the May 23 Democratic caucuses is expected to heavily favor Biden, who has already secured the nomination. In the state primary, the race in the 2nd Congressional District is the most significant, with Idaho being less Republican compared to other districts in the state. The AP will provide coverage of the primary and caucuses, declaring winners based on the vote count.
As of May 1, there were over 1 million registered voters in Idaho, with a majority being Republicans. Turnout in previous primaries has been relatively low, with absentee voting being permitted in the upcoming Democratic presidential caucuses. Vote counting is expected to be completed in a timely manner, with complete results expected by early morning.
With the November general election approaching, the focus is on the primary and caucuses in Idaho. Voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in key races, including the Republican primary in the 2nd Congressional District. The AP will provide comprehensive coverage of the election process, ensuring that the public is informed about the results and implications for the upcoming general election.
