To ensure Conservation Voters for Idaho endorses the best possible conservation candidates, our volunteer Board of Directors with staff support conduct a multi-step review process and criteria for selection. 

Candidates are evaluated along the following criteria: knowledge of conservation issues, potential effectiveness to advance conservation issues if/when elected to office and propensity to be a true champion on our issues. “Best” conservation candidates are not just those candidates who represent themselves as the most pro-environment, but who will best advance the effort to protect Idaho’s environment. As a bipartisan organization, we select candidates regardless of political party. 

Our endorsement begins at the staff level where campaign staff distribute questionnaires to candidates across the state. All candidates are invited to participate in the process and fill out the questionnaire. Questionnaire responses are evaluated by our Endorsement Task Force, which is composed of select members of the Conservation Voters for Idaho Board of Directors and supported by staff. If the task force needs further clarification from the questionnaire responses, follow up activities occur which could include in-person interviews or reference checks.

Based on the questionnaire responses, the personal interview, candidate’s platforms on conservation issues and other criteria guidelines listed above, the Endorsement Task Force votes on their endorsement recommendations. Those approved recommendations are then taken to Conservation Voters for Idaho’s Board of Directors for a final vote.

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