The big news: For months, Idaho Education Association members all over the state have been talking to each other and their communities about the crucial May 19 Republican primary. But in 2026, events have really taken off.
IEA members in action: Several IEA members have testified before legislative committees, either as part of Lobby Day events organized by their locals or on their own initiative.
• IEA board members Kelly Heil and Tabitha Miller, as well as Twin Falls Education Association member Peggy Hoy, have used their extensive real-world experience to provide testimony to lawmakers this legislative session. Vallivue Education Association member Crystal Villanueva spoke about the anti-union bill's impacts during the marathon testimony over HB 745.
• May Matters events have been spreading throughout the state, ranging from bowling parties to town halls with legislators to phone banking nights to an ’80s-inspired “GRom.”
• In Region 1, members hosted town halls days with Sen. Jim Woodward (R-Sagle) and Rep. Mark Sauter (R-Sandpoint). One more is scheduled for March 28. As with the previous town halls, Woodward and Sauter will make three stops: 9 a.m. at the Bonner’s Ferry Visitor Center, 12 p.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall, and 3 p.m. at the West Bonner Library in Priest River (all times are Pacific).
• In Region 2, Moscow Education Association members gathered in February to learn more about May Matters and how they can get out the vote.
• In regions 3 and 7, members knocked down pins at Emerald Lanes while hearing about the importance of May Matters.
• In Region 5, Pocatello Education Association members organized four May Matters events: three information sessions and one event to hone essential skills like writing lawmakers and phone banking.
• In regions 7 and 9, members held phone banks and called other members to discuss May Matters and the importance of voting in the May primary.
• In Region 9, members dressed in their high school best for GRom (a portmanteau of government relations and prom), dancing, playing video games and raising money for IEA’s PACE fund.
• You might have seen some familiar faces on your computer screen or in the media, too: IEA board members Aneatra Walker, Lisie Smith and Stacy Wescott are featured in a new get-out-the-vote media campaign the union recently launched. Ads are now running throughout the state.
Why it matters: May Matters is the union’s campaign to turn out the vote for pro-public education candidates in the race that determines the vast majority of Idaho’s legislative races: the May 19 Primary Election
• For nearly a year, IEA members have been planning, organizing, and rallying their fellow educators and communities to get informed and get out the vote.
• You can get involved, too! Learn about May Matters and how you can be one of the people who restores a pro-public education majority to the Idaho Statehouse. Get a full breakdown of May Matters here.
Here's How IEA Members Are Making May Matter
The Moscow Education Association invited members to learn more about May Matters during an event in February.
Moscow Education Association members at their February May Matters event.
Musicians played the Moscow Education Association's May Matters event in February.
Lisa Callaway of the West Ada Education Association reaches out to voters during a May Matters phone banking night hosted by the Boise Education Association and WAEA.
Erin Kueneman of the Boise Education Association and Alex Kueneman work the phones at Boise Education Association/West Ada Education Association phone banking event.
GRom, or "government relations prom," drew members dressed in their finest '80s gear.
