Today is Election Day, and it is a day that belongs to us—the people. John Adams once said, "Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." Today, we dare to vote. Casting a ballot is not only a civic duty but an act of immense faith in the ideals our nation was built upon. It’s a statement that says we, the people, still believe in a government of, by, and for the people.
It's easy to get caught up in the buzz of the presidential race, and there's no denying that the stakes are high. But let’s be honest—Idaho is not a battleground state. We know where our electoral votes are going, and neither presidential candidate bothered to stop here. Today, I want to stress what’s even more critical: the elections happening closer to home.
Your local legislators, your county commissioners, your school boards—these are the people who shape your community. They decide how your taxes are spent, what your kids learn in school, how your roads are maintained, and even how much freedom you have to run your business or manage your property. James Madison once noted, “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” He was right. To preserve our liberty, we need to be informed, and we need to vote thoughtfully—especially when it comes to these local positions.
The simple fact is that a “R” or “D” next to a name on a ballot doesn’t tell you much. It doesn’t tell you whether that person will truly represent your interests or if they’re in the pocket of some special interest group that couldn’t care less about your values or your future. It doesn’t tell you if they’re the kind of leader who will listen to their constituents or if they’ll sell you out the first chance they get.
Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Today, as we head to the polls, remember that our ballots are our power—not just in choosing the president. It’s about choosing the people who make the laws affecting your farm, business, children, and community. It’s about choosing who gets to decide what kind of future we’ll have here in Idaho. This great state is more than just a pawn in a national game—it’s our home. And the decisions we make today will shape what Idaho looks like tomorrow.
Every vote counts—every decision you make today matters. So please ensure you’ve taken the time to know who and what you’re voting for before you head to the polls today. Don’t let anyone else decide for you—not a party, pundit, or special interest group. This is your voice, your power, your Idaho. Today, we fulfill our duty as citizens of this great nation. Let's make it count.
About the Author
Gregory Graf is the creator of Political Potatoes and a lifelong conservative Republican whose articles often criticize the hypocrisy committed by far-right grifters who’ve taken control of the GOP. Graf is the CEO of Snake River Strategies, a communications and political consulting firm based in Eagle, Idaho. Graf and his family moved to Idaho Falls in 2013 from Utah and currently reside in Star.
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Insightful article, but I wish it was released a day or two before election day. And I hope the women of Idaho keep in mind that the Idaho majority not only wishes to monitor and manage their healthcare, but apparently their vote! I see Mike Moyle’s campaign ad talking about how Proposition One does away with one person, one vote, but that’s exactly what some of the religious right in our state wants to do by taking away a wife’s vote and leaving it up to her husband.