Since 1994, Idaho has only elected Republicans to statewide offices, and this doesn’t look to change any time soon.
If Idaho only elects Republicans, that means the general election is more of a formality in regards to who is elected to statewide offices. Therefore, the real election in Idaho is the Idaho Republican Primary that happens in Spring of election years.
There’s one catch about Idaho primaries: they can be closed primaries. In Idaho, the Republican Party has chosen to make voting in the Republican primary closed off to voters who are not registered as Republicans.
If you want your vote to have a practical impact on who gets elected to statewide office, you must register Republican and vote in the Republican primaries.
The de facto election in Idaho is the Republican Primary. To not vote in the Republican primary has the effect of being disenfranchised.
Vote where it matters.
Other takes:
Bob Kustra: The battle for the soul of Idaho will be fought — and won — in the Republican primary
Helpful Info:
Primary Election Info (sos.idaho.gov)
How to Register to Vote (voteidaho.gov)
Election Calendars (sos.idaho.gov) (Note: March 11th, 2022 last day to change party affiliation)