Important Dates and Election Information
- Deadline to register to vote in advance: Friday, Oct. 11
- Early voting: Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Nov. 1
- Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot: Friday, Oct. 25
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter Registration: The deadline to register in advance is Friday, Oct. 11. You may also register in person during early voting or on Election Day at your polling place. To check your registration status, use the state’s online tool.
- Absentee Voting: Any registered voter may vote absentee in Idaho.
- Early Voting: Many, but not all, counties offer early voting. Contact your county clerk’s office to see if it’s available in your area.
- Voting in Person on Election Day: Poll hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Find your polling location using the secretary of state’s online tool.
Recent Voting Changes in Idaho
- As of July 1, 2023, if your residence address doesn’t match the address on your driver’s license, you must provide an acceptable proof of residence to complete your voter registration.
- Under a law enacted in April 2024, it is illegal for someone else to return a voter’s absentee ballot unless it is a relative, a household member, a caregiver, or an individual paid by the voter to deliver the ballot. Postal workers and election officials are exempt.
How to Register to Vote
You can register in the following ways:
- Online: Use the state’s online portal to register or update an existing registration by midnight on Friday, Oct. 11. You need a valid Idaho driver’s license or an ID card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
- By Mail: Print and complete a voter registration form. Then, hand-deliver or mail the application to your county clerk’s office.
- In Person: Visit your county clerk’s office to pick up a voter registration form and complete it.
- By Phone: Call your county clerk’s office or the state elections office at 208-334-2852, or email [email protected] to request an application by mail.
When registering by mail or in person, you must provide proof of residence and either a current Idaho driver’s license, ID card, U.S. passport, federal photo ID, tribal ID card, or a concealed weapons license issued by an Idaho county sheriff. Applications returned by mail must be postmarked by Friday, Oct. 11, and applications returned in person must be received before the close of business.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
You can register at the polls on Election Day or during the early voting period. You’ll need to provide an approved form of identification and proof of residency. To check your registration status, use the state’s online tool.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter may vote absentee in Idaho. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m. local time.
- Online: Use the state’s online request portal. You must be registered to vote and provide your Idaho driver’s license or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By Mail: Print an absentee ballot application, or contact your county clerk’s office to have an absentee ballot application mailed to you. Return your completed application to your county clerk. Your application must be received – not just postmarked – by Friday, Oct. 25.
- In Person: Complete an absentee ballot in person at your county clerk’s office.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
Return the completed ballot by mail, to an official elections drop box, or to your county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. local time on Election Day. Contact your county clerk for drop box locations. If returning by mail, you must provide postage.
To track your absentee ballot, use the secretary of state’s online tool.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Many, but not all, counties offer early voting, starting Monday, Oct. 21, through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Locations and hours vary, so contact your county clerk’s office to see if early voting is available in your area.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. To find your polling location, use the secretary of state’s online tool. For sample ballots, contact your county clerk’s office.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
All registered voters must present an approved photo ID, such as an Idaho driver’s license, a U.S. passport, a tribal identification card, or a concealed weapons license issued by an Idaho county sheriff. If you don’t have an approved photo ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit, swearing to your identity under a felony penalty of perjury.
Voting with a Disability
All voters, including those with disabilities and nursing home residents, can vote absentee. When voting at the polls, all locations offer accessible voting equipment. If you need assistance, you can bring someone with you or request help from an election worker. Contact your county elections office for more information.
