Gem State Wire

At 39-years-old, Brian Gross of Idaho Falls, Idaho, admitted he has only ever voted in a "handful" of presidential elections. 

Gross, who works as a government contractor, said it seems as if this most recent election was the most important one in our lifetime.

"At some point anyone has to say 'ok, was there ever a non-important election?' I mean why is it we always say this?" Gross told the Gem State Wire, "It may be that that's true because of how powerful the federal government has become and how important it seems to be in everyone's lives that whoever is in the Oval Office that they have so much influence on the aspects of your daily life that it's important."

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He said it's "distressing" that so much emphasis and concern is put into who the president is and what he's saying. Although he understands whoever's chosen by the people to hold that position should be a role model.

Gross supported President Donald Trump, because his economic plans resonated with him.

"I'm more likely to have a job because of his policies. My taxes have been lower. I received a tax cut," said Gross.

Gross voted early in-person for the 2020 General Election. 

He said the presidential race was important to him, and he preferred there wouldn't be a change in the administration. Although, a change is likely with President-elect Joe Biden securing more electoral votes than President Donald Trump who has yet to concede. He anticipated a change in Washington, could mean programs he's currently working on could get cut.

"Our work is tied directly to the federal budget," said Gross, "so if there were an administration change, then we would potentially have a serious shift in our work and potentially job security could be an issue."

When it came to voting for state representatives in the federal delegation, Gross said he cast his ballot for both Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Mike Simpson for Idaho's Second Congressional District, both Republicans who were up for reelection and won. He said they both have a strong relationship with his employer which he believes is important.