The Courier
NEWS
County Clerks Ask for Law Change
Last week, Governor Little called a special session of the Idaho Legislature to address election law changes, and civil liability for businesses, schools, and other organizations related to Covid-19. The special session began this Monday. County Clerks from every county in Idaho recently signed on to an Op-Ed from the Idaho Association of Counties urging support from our legislators and the public for a change to Idaho’s election law. According to the letter, about 10% of voters vote absentee during a typical presidential election. Even though an in-person election will be held this November, it is expected that up to 75% of voters will be voting absentee. Our counties do not have the infrastructure to run both an absentee election (of that scale) and an in-person election. “To handle the unprecedented volume of absentee ballots that we are anticipating, we [the clerks] are calling for a simple legislative change to allow county clerks to open and scan ballots in advance of Election Day. This simple change would significantly aid us in our efforts to count ballots and provide timely results.” The challenge of providing safe polling locations is also a problem. For some counties, finding polling places that allow adequate space for social distancing is a big issue, as is finding enough poll workers. One solution would be to provide vote centers, but again, that would require a legislative change. “The anticipated shift from in-person voting to absentee in November will result in fewer voters at polling locations. Should a county decide to utilize vote centers, it would allow any voter to go to any voting location in their county to cast their vote. Imagine the ease of being able to pop in to the nearest vote center at your convenience on Election Day to cast your vote and avoid lines. Voting centers in large venues would allow voters to maintain social distancing and would require fewer staff.” NOTE: Gooding, Camas, and Lincoln counties will be using existing polling locations. For those who might be concerned about the security of this election, absentee voting is very safe and is used by overseas citizens, military personnel, and others. To vote absentee in Idaho, a voter must first request a ballot. The signature on each returned ballot is reviewed and compared to the signature on record for the person voting. All states offer absentee voting, but some states are pushing for a “universal vote by mail system” where ballots are mailed to all registered voters automatically. While this makes it easier for individual voters by eliminating the need to request a ballot, it has little or no security. The need for secure ballots was highlighted in a recent New Jersey special election where nearly 20% of the ballots were found to be fraudulent. A judge has ordered a new election. “As we work to conduct a challenging and complex election in November, we are asking for the support, patience, and understanding of our community, our Governor, and our legislature. As your local elected Clerks, neighbors, and fellow Idahoans, we are dedicated to safeguarding elections in Idaho. Small changes to existing Idaho Election laws will make a big difference in helping us provide a smooth and safe voting experience for every eligible Idahoan in November, whether someone votes early, via absentee, or on Election Day.” The County Clerks of Idaho
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
August 26, 2020
Vol 44 Num 35
Lava Point Boat Ramp Repairs
by Terry Thompson, Regional Communications Manager
Long awaited repairs on the Lava Point boat ramp began this week. Located on the west side of Magic Reservoir, the much needed repairs had to wait until water levels exposed the entire boat launch. The boat launch is currently inaccessible due to extreme low water levels in Magic Reservoir. The project includes replacement of damaged sections of the existing ramp, and the installation of two 8 foot by 20 foot adjoined floating dock sections to accommodate launching and trailering boats. The project is expected to be completed in late fall 2020. Funding for the project is through the Dingell – Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Fund, matched by Fish and Game license funds through a cost share grant. The portion of the project funded by federal Dingell - Johnson funds are derived from revenues from manufacturers’ excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft and a portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributed to small engines and motorboats, which are deposited or transferred into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information please contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.