An unusually high number of Idahoans have voted early, with the governor’s race and two high-profile ballot initiatives appearing to drive some of the turnout.
Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney announced an estimated 153,800 ballots have already been received statewide via absentee and early voting ahead of Election Day. As of Monday morning, 168,600 absentee ballots have been issued, and nearly 15,000 absentee ballots are still outstanding.
In the gubernatorial race, former state lawmaker and Coeur d’Alene tribal member Democrat Paulette Jordan is vying to become Idaho’s first female and first Native American governor. She faces a challenge from Republican Lieutenant Governor Brad Little.
Among the ballot measures, Proposition 1 seeks to legalize historical horse racing devices that backers say will save live horse racing and provide money for schools. Opponents say the devices are the equivalent of illegal slot machines that expand gambling.
Proposition 2 would expand Medicaid to an estimated 62,000 working Idaho residents who are in a gap population that earns too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to qualify for insurance subsidies. (AP, Idaho Secretary of State)
