To deny U.S. military members a chance to participate in the 2024 election process in Idaho is a betrayal of their service and sacrifices, writes guest columnist Marv Hagedorn. (Getty Images)
As a retired Navy chief warrant officer who dedicated over two decades of my life to serving in the military, I find myself deeply troubled by recent developments in Idaho’s political landscape. Idaho’s transition from a primary election to a presidential caucus system, purportedly to encourage voter participation, is not only causing confusion but is also disenfranchising an important portion of our electorate – our men and women in uniform, currently deployed and sacrificing for our nation.
The most recent Idaho Public Policy Survey has shed light on the overwhelming preference of Idaho voters (74%) for a primary election over a caucus. This preference aligns with our own experiences that primary elections and absentee ballots provide a more accessible way for citizens to exercise their right to vote. However, despite this widespread preference to share opinions about a future president, the decision to shift to a caucus was made, and Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon stands at the forefront of this controversial move.