Gov. Otter says he opposes moving primary

BOISE — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter opposes moving Idaho’s primary election to August, largely due to concerns it would result in an even lower turnout than the current primary in May. Otter made the comments Wednesday to reporters from the Idaho Press Club. Rep. Tom Loertscher, an eastern Idaho Republican, has introduced a measure that would shift the primary election to August. With Idaho still without redistricting maps governing legislative boundaries, moving the primary from May would allow for more time to sort out complications. It would also give incumbent lawmakers more time to campaign after legislative sessions. But Otter said a primary in August — when people are still on summer vacations — would damage voter participation. He says he’ll let House leaders know his feeling in a meeting on Thursday.