Do you want pathways on canals? Here is how you can help us get closer to that goal.
This election year has a lot of races, and I’ve already given you some sweet deets on the ACHD Commission Election. But there is another huge race you may not know about….
The Nampa Meridian Irrigation District.
You may be asking a lot of questions, such as “Who?” or “They have elections?” and “Are you sure this is an election, it’s not on my absentee ballot!”
Yes, I can assure you that this election is a thing. Nampa Meridian Irrigation District (NMID) is a special district in Ada County that manages canals throughout Boise, Nampa, and Meridian. It holds elections for their three board member positions; it is not an election sponsored by the State, meaning that it isn’t on your ballot!
This year there is one seat up, and we are watching this race closely to better understand where the Canal Pathways Initiative may be going in the future. The tricky thing is that it is incredibly hard to tell if you can even vote.
If you are interested in helping our Canal Pathways efforts, you can start by determining if you can vote in this election, and help those in your circles determine their voter eligibility. Remember, we are a 501(c)3, so we cannot tell you who to vote for, so I recommend that you research the candidates, contacting NMID to get more information on them, and anything else you can do to cast a vote that best fits your interest.
DO I QUALIFY TO VOTE?
To vote, you must be a home owner of a property that has—or had—water rights, and within the NMID District limits. Renters cannot vote; only property owners with active or inactive water rights can.
It is an at-large election, meaning you don’t have to be in Precinct 1 to vote.
Please use this map to determine your location eligibility, or call their office at (208) 466-7861. (Tip: It may be easier to call them instead of using the map)
WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?
The candidates running are incumbent Donald Barksdale and Graham Paterson. Graham has a Facebook page for his campaign, but Donald does not. If you are interested in learning more about either candidate, you can reach out to NMID through the phone number above, and they can share your contact information with both candidates.
CAN I REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
To request an absentee ballot, please call (208)-466-7861. Your request for an absentee ballot must be received by 5pm on Friday, October 23.
In addition, filled out absentee ballot must be received at the District’s office by 5pm on November 3.
The address to mail absentee ballots is 1503 First St. South, Nampa, ID 83651
CAN I VOTE EARLY?
Yes! Early voting is from October 7 - November 3. To vote early, you must go to their office location at 1503 First St. South, Nampa, ID 83651
I WANT TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHERE DO I GO?
There are 3 voting locations based on the precinct.
Precinct 1 voting location:
CASA MEXICO, BANQUET ROOM
10332 W. Fairview Ave, #104
Boise, ID 83704
Precinct 2 voting location:
MERIDIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
1507 W. 8th Street
Meridian, ID 83642
Precinct 3 voting location:
NAMPA RECREATION CENTER
131 Constitution Way
Nampa, ID 83686
OK. Now that you have the information you need, can you help us and SPREAD THE WORD? Share this blog with your friends, family, coworkers, any home owner you know. I cannot stress enough how impactful this election will be to the Canal Pathways Initiative.
Are you stoked on the recent advocacy efforts we have been rolling out this year? We are too! Did you know that our Membership Program provides funding for our growing advocacy program? You can support our efforts and become a member today!