Here’s what you need to know this Election Day in Idaho.
Even though the president isn’t on the ballot this year, it’s still a big election year for the state.
All statewide offices — such as the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state superintendent, state controller and state treasurer — are up for grabs, along with three congressional seats in the U.S. House and Senate, and all 105 state legislative seats. So are local races like for county commissioners, highway district officials, magistrate judges and even a runoff election for an Ada County judge.
But perhaps the biggest race this year is Proposition 1, a ballot initiative that would end the state’s abortion ban and establish reproductive rights. That’s one of several ballot measures that voters can decide on, along with a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow only the Legislature to legalize drugs, such as marijuana, which is called HJR 4; a constitutional amendment that would declare English as the state’s official language, which is called HJR 6; and an advisory question that solicits a public vote to declare a state gun.
What is a general election?
Today, Idahoans cast votes to decide the winners for races to political offices.
2026 Voter Guide The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote.
In years where the president isn’t being elected, which are called midterm elections, fewer voters tend to turn out. But early data shows high amounts of Idahoans are casting ballots already through early and absentee voting. Across the nation, voters cast early ballots at record levels for a midterm election, States Newsroom reported.
Who’s on my ballot?
To find out which races and candidates are on your ballot, plug your information into this tool on VoteIdaho.gov. That tool will show you your sample ballot.
When and where can I vote?
Polls are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time in Idaho. If you are in line before 8 p.m., you will be able to vote.
To find your polling location, type your address into this tool on VoteIdaho.gov.
How do I register to vote on Election Day?
To register to vote, you need a current photo ID and a document proving you live in Idaho.
Here’s what works:
- Two types of documents: A form of approved photo identification, and proof that you live in Idaho.
- Photo ID types allowed: An Idaho driver’s license, or free state identification card; a passport or federal ID; a tribal ID card; or a concealed weapons license, issued by an Idaho county sheriff.
- Proof of residence allowed: If the photo ID you plan to use has your current address, you’re likely covered here. But if not, you need a separate proof of residence. That could include a mortgage, lease, or rental agreement; proof of insurance; utility bills, besides for a cellphone; a property tax bill or assessment; a statement from your credit card or bank; a paycheck or paystub; an enrollment letter from an Idaho high school or university; an intake document to a care facility; or a letter from a social service agency.
To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least age 18, who has lived in Idaho for at least 30 days before the election. People who have been convicted of felonies cannot register to vote until they have completed the terms of their sentence.
How do I check my voter registration status?
You need to update your voter registration when you move, change your name, or have not voted in the past four years.
Want to check if you’re registered to vote? Look it up online on VoteIdaho.gov. (You’ll need your driver’s license handy.)
When are absentee ballots due?
Absentee ballots are due when polls close, at 8 p.m. local time. That means that election officials must have received them by then, not just that the ballots are dropped in the mail by 8 p.m. local time.
If you still need to turn in an absentee ballot, the best way to ensure it gets counted at this point is to drop it off at a ballot drop box or hand deliver it to your county clerk’s office.
How do I find information on candidates and issues?
Idaho’s top officials keep getting these common election questions. Here’s the answers to your FAQs.
Visit the Idaho Capital Sun’s voter guide for information on candidates for statewide offices, such as the governor and attorney general; for congressional seats; and for select legislative seats, along with information on ballot measures.
For more information on ballot measures, visit the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office’s online voter pamphlet, which doesn’t have much info on candidates.
To see news articles about the 2026 election, visit the Idaho Capital Sun’s website.
When will election results come in?
Election officials don’t start counting votes until after all the polls close in Idaho, which is at 9 p.m. Mountain time and 8 p.m. Pacific time. Then, the results that trickle in will be unofficial, until they are officially certified by the Idaho State Board of Canvassers, which typically takes a few weeks.
On Election Day after polls close, it can take several hours for all precincts to report results for local races, such as for state legislative seats. For larger races, such as ballot measures and statewide offices, the Associated Press calls the winners of races.
Tune into the Idaho Capital Sun’s website for live updates on election results, and stories on individual races.
Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.