The Gem State's March presidential preference primary was notably more energized, with a 360 percent increase in Democrat turnout and a reported doubling of Republican voters for incumbent President Donald Trump. In advance of the Nov. 3 polls, be sure you are properly registered. You can check and update your registration information at the official Idaho Votes Website, here: https://apps.idahovotes.gov/YourPollingPlace/AmIRegistered.aspx

Changes in our daily lives as an effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic make it impossible to know how the Nov. 3 general election will be conducted.

Because of the uncertainty, we are encouraging election officials and voters alike to be prepared to vote by absentee ballot. Information on how to vote absentee in Idaho is here: https://idahovotes.gov/absentee-voter-information/

The November election represents our opportunity to make change. At the national level, we have abundant evidence the current administration is not only incapable of governing, but is incapable of telling the truth. Sadly, and especially when America needs honesty and candor from the White House, President Trump has only made matters worse.

At the state level, the incompetence of the 2020 Legislature was stunningly beyond any previous disappointments in modern history. Lawmakers not only failed to complete their most pressing responsibilities regarding fiscal responsibility, they wasted the session with hurtful, probably unconstitutional, hypocritical, and even hateful proposals, This November, Idaho voters must look carefully at all candidates, but especially must consider the actual performance (or nonperformance) of those seeking reelection. And when you vote, consider what they do, not just what they say.