Idaho GOP Bans Journalists from Caucus Sites, Igniting Transparency Concerns

The decision, affecting all 210 caucus locations, raises questions about the democratic process and public's right to know.

The Idaho Republican Party has decided to ban journalists from its caucus sites for the upcoming GOP caucuses on March 2, sparking controversy and raising concerns about transparency.
Critics argue that the decision undermines the public's trust in the democratic system, emphasizing the media's role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the political process.
The ban applies to all 210 caucus sites across the state, including publicly funded spaces like public schools, and extends to the party headquarters during vote tabulation.
Former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are the only major GOP candidates on the ballot in Idaho, where 32 delegates are up for grabs.
Transparency advocates, political scientists, and press organizations have criticized the decision, urging the Idaho Republican Party to reconsider and allow press access to the caucus process.