To have a voice, you must vote

My final thoughts on Idaho’s May 17 primary election are simple: Elections matter. If you don’t vote, you don’t count.

In Idaho, it is the Republican primary that actually determines who is going to represent us, not the general election this fall.

During the last 50 years in Idaho we — you and I — have built a state that is the envy of conservatives nationwide. It was built by those of us who have lived here, voted here and paid taxes here over the same period of time. This awesome Idaho built by us has, over the last few years, been discovered because of the welcoming nature of our citizens and the business-friendly climate that we have created.

Today we have a choice. Do we want to continue the policies and culture that built this awesome state or do we want to turn governance over to people who have recently moved here and whose tactics are to spread falsehoods and radical claims that we are not true conservatives? They are hungry for power. They are willing to attempt to create distrust in our local elected officials - officials who are and have been your friends and neighbors for years and truly know and appreciate the custom and culture of the Idaho that YOU have built.

The only way you will have a voice in keeping Idaho, Idaho, is to vote on May 17. Be one of those whose voices will be heard and counted. Vote.

DARRELL KERBY

Bonners Ferry