Frustrated Oregon residents are exploring the possibility of joining neighboring Idaho, driven by a growing cultural divide and dissatisfaction with blue-state policies that clash with their values. The Greater Idaho Movement aims to shift the Oregon border 200 miles west to bridge this gap and create governments that better represent the needs of both regions.
Since its inception four years ago, the Greater Idaho Movement has gained significant momentum among Oregonians, particularly in the eastern part of the state, who feel politically misaligned with Western Oregon's urban and liberal population centers.
The movement's Executive Director, Matt McCaw, explains that Oregon's "tug of war" between its two vastly different regions has resulted in conflict and dissatisfaction, especially on issues such as immigration, taxes, and gun rights. Eastern Oregonians, who tend to be conservative and rural, feel their values are not sufficiently reflected in the laws passed by the state government.
According to McCaw, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this divide, as Oregon imposed strict measures such as business closures and mask mandates, policies that many eastern Oregonians strongly opposed. Idaho, on the other hand, took a more lax approach to the pandemic, further highlighting the disparity in values.
The Greater Idaho Movement proposes to resolve this conflict by shifting the Oregon border west, allowing eastern Oregonians to join Idaho and enjoy a government that aligns with their beliefs. The movement argues that this would reduce political tension and allow both regions to have governments that represent their respective values.
McCaw emphasizes that the idea of shifting borders is not unprecedented, citing redistricting efforts to ensure better representation for people. He believes moving the Oregon border would make sense, as it would group together people with similar values and reduce political conflict.
The movement has gained traction in eastern Oregon, with residents and local officials in 13 counties supporting the border change. McCaw notes that the people of eastern Oregon deserve to have their elected leaders pursue this conversation on their behalf, as it has the potential to improve their political representation and create a better government for both regions.
The Greater Idaho Movement is gaining steam and continues to gather support from residents who believe joining Idaho would bridge the growing cultural divide and allow them to have a government that better reflects their values. As the movement progresses, it will be interesting to see if it succeeds in redrawing the boundaries of these two states and creating a more politically harmonious landscape.
