Resolution in Support of Limiting Out-of-State Funding for Ballot Initiatives

WHEREAS, The people of Idaho cherish their right to self-governance and to shape the future of their state through the ballot initiative process, guided by their own values and priorities;

WHEREAS, The rising tide of out-of-state funding, such as the 80% of contributions totaling $4.4 million that bankrolled the 2024 Proposition 1 Ranked Choice Voting Initiative, originating from beyond Idaho’s borders - threatens to drown out the voices of Idahoans, allowing distant monied interests, political action committees (PACs), and advocacy groups detached from the values and interests of Idaho’s people to exert undue influence over our state’s institutions;

WHEREAS, A ballot initiative to establish regulated limits on out-of-state funding for ballot initiatives represents a powerful opportunity for Idahoans to reclaim control of their republican form of government, ensuring that decisions about Idaho’s future are driven by those who live here, work here, and/or call this state home;

WHEREAS, The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee stands resolute in its commitment to defending the principles of local control, state sovereignty, and the right of Idahoans to govern themselves without interference from out of state elites or national special interests; and

WHEREAS, The passage of this initiative would deliver profound benefits to the people of Idaho, including:

1. A stronger, clearer voice for Idahoans in the ballot process, ensuring that local concerns, rather than the agendas of out-of-state donors, drive the conversation and shape our state’s laws;

2. Greater transparency and accountability in elections, shining a light on the sources of campaign funds and empowering voters to make informed choices free from external manipulation;

3. A renewed sense of pride and ownership in Idaho’s republican form of government, as citizens stand together to protect their state from being overwhelmed by wealthy outsiders;

4. A deterrent to out-of-state groups who might think twice before pouring millions into Idaho, knowing that our people are united in defense of their independence; and

5. A foundation for future efforts to safeguard Idaho’s elections, combining practical limits with enhanced disclosure rules to keep our state’s destiny in the hands of its residents; and therefore, be it

RESOLVED, The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee proudly endorses and supports a ballot initiative to establish regulated limits on out-of-state funding for ballot initiatives, recognizing it as a vital step toward restoring the power of Idaho’s citizens over their own elections; and

RESOLVED, The the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee calls upon all Idahoans - farmers, workers, families, and neighbors - to rally behind this initiative, to vote overwhelmingly in its favor, and to join in this historic effort to preserve the integrity of our state’s republican form of government; and

RESOLVED The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee secretary will submit this resolution to the Idaho Republican Party (IDGOP) for adoption and passage during the summer 2025 IDGOP meeting, as well as to all House and Senate legislators in Legislative Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 - thereby reinforcing Idaho’s commitment to a republican form of government free from external influence.

Adopted by the KCRCC March 25, 2025