Staff Reports
Idaho voters are getting to pick a state firearm on Election Day in what sounds like a fun bit of civic pageantry — except this time the choice matters to folks who value history, hunting, and the right to keep and bear arms. The vote is advisory, but it will send a loud message to lawmakers about what Idahoans respect and remember.
Six Historic Guns on the Ballot
Voters will choose from six classic firearms: the 1873 Single Action Army Colt .45, the Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30), the Winchester Model 1873, the M1 Garand, the Colt Model 1911 .45, and the Remington 700 bolt-action in 30-06. These are not random toys; they are pieces of American history. Hunters, shooters, veterans, and collectors all recognize these names, and each gun tells part of Idaho’s story — from frontier days to military service to modern hunting fields.
Advisory Vote — Meaningful, Not Just Cute
Yes, the ballot question is labeled “advisory.” That means the legislature still has the final say. Fine. But an advisory vote is still a clear way for Idaho voters to speak up. If lawmakers ignore the will of the people on a matter like this, they should at least be honest about why. If they pretend the vote doesn’t matter because they think it’s silly, voters should remember that come election season.
Heritage, Hunting, and the Second Amendment
This isn’t about glorifying violence. It’s about honoring heritage. Idaho is a hunting state with a proud tradition of marksmanship and service. Choosing a state firearm recognizes the tools that helped shape the West, defended the nation, and put food on tables. Critics who mock the idea should try telling that to a veteran who respects an M1 Garand or to a family that’s passed down a Winchester for generations.
Show Up, Cast a Ballot, and Make the Point
Don’t treat this as a joke and skip the ballot. This is a cheap, easy way to send a clear message: Idahoans value their history and their rights. Bring a little common sense and a big turnout. If you care about Idaho’s culture and the legacy you pass on, value the vote even when it’s “just advisory.” In the end, lawmakers will decide — but they’ll be smarter to follow the people who elected them.
