From sun-up to long-past sunset, voters funneled through the doors, joining the long line of Moscow residents ready to cast their ballot for the next Idaho governor.
Election Day 2022 saw the re-election of Governor Brad Little and Idaho’s usual red map. It also included the re-election of our federal representatives and the election of our Idaho legislators.
A Moscow resident for nearly three years, Justin Duran voted at the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center, seeing it as a civic responsibility.
“It’s an important part of our rights as American citizens,” Duran said. “If we don’t, then we’re kind of being derelict in our duties.
No matter the vote, Duran believed there never seems to be enough engaged voters.
“I always wish there would be better public engagement when it comes to voting,” Duran said. “Whether someone’s Republican or Democrat really doesn’t matter to me. I just wish there were more informed voters.”
Looking at this year’s ballot, Duran saw himself voting differently than in the past with a lack of choices and blurred party lines.
“Unfortunately, I think in our current political climate, there are no great options, there are just less-bad options,” Duran said. “And this is the first time that I can remember since becoming voting age, that I didn’t vote straight ticket down a party line.”
Originally from California, Duran said Idaho politics seem less murky and corrupt.
Harper Crist, a student at the university, says she got her information from ASUI, as well as her roommate.
“Martha Smith is big advocate for voting,” Crist said. “She’s my roommate and she really like pushed me to come vote, as well as my dad.”
ASUI runs Vandals Vote, a campus initiative that helps students register to vote as well as pointing them to online resources to learn about candidates on the ballot.
Crist also voted at the Student Recreation Center on campus, where there were additional supports facilitated by Vandals Vote to help students make informed choices.
Crist hopes that young people ae using their voices to their best ability.
“I honestly just hope that our generation has the ability to kind of take a turn in this election,” Crist said. “And I think that if we all show out and show our voice and vote for who we think is best fit that it will really take a turn in pointing us in the right direction.”
Gracie Andrews, also a student at the university, had many reasons for coming to vote with her partner.
“Abortion rights for one, and also protecting potentially, same sex marriage and just general human rights are on the line,” Andrews said. “I’m worried about democracy.”
Andrews had a few worries when it came to the upcoming election, especially given the political climate.
“It’s important exercise this (right to vote) so that we continue to have this, and it’s not stripped in the future.” Andrews said.
Moving down from Coeur d’Alene to attend the University of Idaho, and then deciding to stay, Lauren McMurray has voted in Moscow every election.
“My husband really enjoys politics, we discuss things quite a bit at home, and some of my friends are interested in discussing it too,” McMurray said. “A lot of it is probably just myself doing research on my just on my own.”
Moscow resident Andy Blum voted at the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center. Blum said he has been more engaged these past few elections, trying to be better about getting involved.
“I think it’s your duty to participate in your government,” Blum said. “If you’re gonna be lazy and just let whoever govern you, you can, but you shouldn’t complain.”
Blum didn’t have much to say about this election’s candidates, focusing more on his prioritized issues.
“I don’t know, they’re okay,” he said. “I’m voting for less government. Honestly, there’s no perfect candidate. Either way, the government’s not gonna save us.”
As a believer in smaller government, Blum took issue with Moscow’s employment. As of 2017, the city had 200 employees according to a comprehensive plan.
“I think the City of Moscow right now is like one of the top three employer sizes in our (area),” Blum said. “Which is insane. It doesn’t need to be that big.”
Another topic of importance for Blum, when considering candidates, is spending.
“Just fiscally responsible. Which again, like I said, there’s no perfect candidate,” Blum said. “Republicans are not perfect at that either. Typically, you think they’re the ones that are going to spend less, but that’s not necessarily true.”
Abigail Spencer, Daniel V. Ramirez and Haadiya Tariq can be reached at