The Idaho Demcratic Party is accusing the state Republican Party of "purging their ranks" with the push to close GOP primary elections in Idaho. Larry Grant, new Idaho Democratic Party chairman, said, "Idaho is the loser today. “Public elections are not meant for private clubs. Once again the Republican party is purging their ranks and requiring a loyalty oath to participate in the voting process.” Click below for the Democrats' full statement.

News release from the Idaho Democratic Party

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 2, 2011

Republican Purge Continues with Closed Primary.

The Federal District Court of Idaho today ruled that the Republican Party could close its primary. The Court said that allowing an open primary infringes on the Republicans’ rights of free assembly. The ruling allows the Republican Party to require that voters register as Republican before being allowed to vote in their primary election.

“Idaho is the loser today,” Larry Grant, Idaho Democratic Party State Chair said, “Public elections are not meant for private clubs. Once again the Republican party is purging their ranks and requiring a loyalty oath to participate in the voting process.”

A recent BSU Public Policy Survey found that 42% of Idahoans consider themselves independent. In a closed primary, those independents must either declare a political party or forego voting in a primary altogether.  

“Anything that limits the voting rights of individuals goes against everything our country stands for,” Grant said. “The Democratic Party welcomes all those voters across the state who have now been thrown out by the Republicans.”  

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