BSU’s 9th Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey Includes Deep Dive on Elections
Researchers with Boise State University’s Idaho Policy Institute and School of Public Service released the 9th annual Idaho Public Policy Survey on Friday, Jan. 19 showing changes in the opinions of Idahoans.
For the first time in the report’s history, the majority of Idahoans feel the state is heading off on the wrong track. While both responses fall within the margin of error like last year, making it a statistical tie, this is the first time in this survey’s history that wrong direction has been the top response among Idahoans. As to reasons why, respondents cite the economy, political leadership, people moving to Idaho with different values, as well as too conservative or too progressive.
This year, researchers dug into elections after hearing it as a priority from lawmakers, elected officials and community groups.
Election Safety
The report states: “Three years ago, following the 2020 presidential election, we asked Idahoans if they had any concerns about the security of Idaho elections. A majority of Idahoans at the time said they did not have concerns. As we enter another presidential election cycle, we revisited this question to see if Idahoans’ opinions have changed over time. Two-thirds of Idahoans (67%) said they do not have concerns about the security of Idaho’s elections.” This sentiment was shared across party lines and demographics.
Primary vs. Caucus
This year, surveyors asked if responders preferred in-person, absentee, or a caucus for primary elections. Overwhelmingly, respondents said they prefer a primary election (73.7%) to a caucus (13.4%). The statistic is significant when considering that Idaho is mere months away from our first firehouse caucus for the Idaho GOP primary.
Top-Four Primary System
Along with questions about primaries, the survey asked about a top-for primary system, allowing all voters to use one ballot with all candidates listed, regardless of their political affiliation. The question references the closed primary republican primary system that launched in 2011. Responses show that the majority favor a top-four open primary system (57.6%) while about half that amount oppose it (26.6%).
Additional Results
In addition to election information, the full report dives in depth on areas of policy, public safety, education, as well as growth and the economy. The annual statewide survey is often used and cited by policymakers to inform their decisions on key issues facing the state. After nine years, the report is trusted by leaders across the political spectrum.
The survey found that education, jobs and the economy, and housing remain Idahoans’ top three legislative priorities and residents of the state continue to be concerned with a range of housing issues and how they affect their own financial situations.
“Our results show that Idahoans remain concerned about the future– be it their economic situation, the direction of the state, or specific public policies– and that trend is continuing," said Dr. Matthew May, report co-author and Survey Research Director for the School of Public Service. "What we try to do with the survey each year is allow Idahoans to state their preferences on the issues of the day, so that when Idaho's leaders and decision-makers are crafting solutions for the state, they are able to take the public's perspective into account."
This year’s survey was conducted Nov. 4-14, 2023, and surveyed more than 1,000 adults who currently live in Idaho. The sample is representative of the state’s population, both geographically and demographically, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The survey covered a wide variety of topics, including the economy, taxes, elections, education, growth, housing and public safety.
