Panelists predict lowest Idaho voter turnout in history

Panelists at an Oct. 26 panel discussion on politics agreed, this year’s projected voter turnout will be the lowest in Idaho state history, due to apathy, lack of interest and of meager voter politic knowledge.

On Oct. 26 the Business and Professional Women of Idaho sponsored a panel discussion on “Evolving Politics in Idaho.” The panelists included Dr. Stephanie Witt, BSU Dept. of Political Science; Professor Stephen Shaw, Northwest Nazarene Univ., Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Science; Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman columnist and Dr. Gary Moncrief, BSU Dept. of Political Science.

Only 480,000 Idaho voters are projected to turn out for the 2000 election on Nov. 7, according to Popkey.

Witt said people, in general, currently have a high degree of apathy and low interest in politics. In good economic times people tend to care less about politics and the current voter in Idaho is white, conservative and satisfied with the status quo, according to Witt.

Popkey pointed out people stay away from the polls because they feel their vote will have no impact, especially in this strong one party state.

Idaho’s political evolution is being influenced by the move from a natural resource-based economy to a technological and service-driven economy, according to Popkey. Moncrief remarked on the importance and political impact of the coming state reapportionment of voting districts. He said an independent commission will set the new legislative district lines, the first time a commission has set these lines. In the past the Idaho legislature has handled this process. Along with district change, term limits could change the face of Idaho politics said Witt.

Fawn Goldy

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