Senate Joint Memorial No. 109 expresses the Idaho Legislature's position on the importance of state governance in election processes. It emphasizes the inherent political power of the people as stated in the Idaho Constitution and the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. The memorial argues that states should have the authority to establish their own election laws and policies that reflect the unique needs and values of their citizens, thereby promoting accountability and preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
The memorial calls upon Idaho's congressional delegation to uphold the principles of federalism and consider championing a constitutional amendment that reaffirms the states' primary role in governing elections. This includes the ability to enact policies related to campaign finance, election security, and transparency, while ensuring that these policies align with constitutional principles and prioritize state sovereignty. Additionally, the memorial directs the Secretary of the Senate to forward a copy to relevant congressional leaders to advocate for these principles.