After a weekend of GOP presidential hopefuls visiting the Treasure Valley, Idahoans head to the polls on Tuesday, March 8th.  Here's what you need to know before you go.

You Can't Support Hillary or Bernie On March 8th

Only voters affiliated with the Republican or Constitution parties are allowed to participate on Tuesday's closed primary.  Republican voters can support the active presidential campaigns of Donald Trup, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio or John Kasich or another campaign.  A sample ballot for the Constitution Party shows Scott Copeland, JR Meyers and Patrick Anthony Ockander as candidates.  Both parties may also chose to write in a candidate.

You Can Register And Affiliate At The Polls

That's a big question for a lot of voters that were previously unaffiliated but feel strongly one way or the other about this year's polarizing candidates.  You may also choose to affiliate as a supporter of the republican or constitution party on Tuesday. To register at the polls that day bring a valid form of ID or be prepared to sign a personal identification affidavit.  Valid forms of ID include:

  • An Idaho driver’s license or photo ID card
  • US passport or federal photo ID card
  • Tribal photo ID card
  • Current student photo ID from Idaho HS or post secondary education institution

Get There On Time

Polls are open on Tuesday from 8 AM to 8 PM.  For the presidential primary, you vote at your normal polling place.  Not sure where that's at?  Find out HERE.

What About The Dems?

The Democrats host a caucus instead of a primary in Idaho.  Their caucus will be held on March 22nd.  Instead of just casting a ballot, the caucus features people giving speeches on behalf of their candidate, debate and discussion before taking a final vote.

Who can go to the caucus?

The caucus is a lot more open than the GOP primary.  Anyone who's eligible to vote in the November 8th election can be part of the process.  You don't have to be registered to vote yet.  If you turn 18 before November 8th, you're also invited.  The Dems expect a large turn out so they suggest you reserve a seat at idahodems.org/caucus.

What's the deal with this convention stuff?

The Dems also pick the delegates that get to go represent their candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Philly this July during the caucus.  If you want to go, ask your fellow supporters to choose you during the county caucus. Get selected, repeat the process at the state convention and you could be Philly bound.

Where is the caucus?

In Ada County, Dems caucus at the Boise Center.  In Canyon County, the caucus is held at Sage Valley Middle School.

More Resources On The 2016 Elections

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