Noon: Idaho’s Record Low Turnout

Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa said Wednesday that record-low turnout in Tuesday’s primary could prompt his Republican Party to revisit its decision to limit the primary to registered GOP voters. “I do believe it had that negative effect of a couple of points,” Ysursa said. “I think there will be some constructive dialogue, including a discussion of whether unaffiliated voters should be able vote Republican.” Unofficial returns showed turnout at 23 percent, the figure Ysursa predicted. That’s 2 percentage points lower than the former record for low turnout, 25 percent in 1988. The final vote totals will be official at the May 30 state canvas. Ysursa said he discussed the issue with GOP Gov. Butch Otter on Wednesday, “We’re disappointed, obviously”/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Do you think Idaho Republican leaders finally understand that their closed primary depressed the vote and disenfranchised voters? Or will they continue to be clueless?