Idaho voting FAQ

In 2024, votes will be cast on issues and races that will set America’s direction for the coming years. The Paste BN Network has everything you need to know to make the best choices for yourself and your family at the ballot box.

When are elections taking place this year?

• March 2: Republican Party-administered presidential caucus
• May 23: Democratic Party-administered presidential caucus
• May 21: Primary elections for state seats
• Aug. 27: School district bond
• Nov. 5: General election

How do I register to vote?

Idaho residents can register by mailing in a paper form to their local Elections office, or by submitting an online voter registration form. If mailed, your application must be postmarked 25 days before the election.

Under a new law in 2023, if your residence address does not match your driver’s license record, your application will not be complete until this requirement is satisfied. The approved photo identification list includes the following:

• Idaho driver’s license or identification card
• U.S. Passport or Federal photo Identification card
• Tribal Identification card
• Concealed weapons license issued by a County Sheriff in Idaho

A registered voter may sign a Personal Identification Affidavit if they do not have a valid photo ID.

What key races are on the ballot this year?

In addition to voting for the U.S. president and vice president, Idaho residents will be able to choose representatives for a wide variety of local, state-wide, and federal races in 2024, including:

• U.S. House of Representatives: two seats
• State Senate: 35 seats
• State House: 70 seats
• State Supreme Court
• Intermediate appellate courts

What do I need to take to the polls?

Idaho requires all voters to bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of residence to the polls. Voters can bring a valid Idaho driver’s license, a U.S. Passport, a Tribal identification card, or a concealed weapons license issued by an Idaho County Sheriff as their photo ID. If the ID does not display an address, voters should bring a secondary document, such as a lease, utility bill, bank statement or paycheck that can be used to verify their residence in Idaho.

What do I need to know about absentee voting?

There is no absentee voting for caucuses, as that's in-person voting only.

Applications to receive an absentee ballot are due 11 days before an election in Idaho. Voters are required to sign the application, including their Idaho residence and the address where they would like the ballot to be sent. Voters can return their absentee ballot in person or by mail but should ensure it is returned to their County Clerk by 8 p.m. on an election day. Voters can access the absentee voting application here.

What are the deadlines for absentee voting?

• Primary state election: Applications must be submitted by May 10
• School district bond vote: Applications must be submitted by Aug. 16
• General election: Applications must be submitted by Oct. 25

What about early voting?

Dates and times for early voting vary throughout the state, but are generally held at a county courthouse or elections office. Pre-election day voting may begin as early as May 6 for the primary election, Aug. 12 for the school district bond election, and Oct. 21 for the general election. Early voting for all three elections will end at 5 p.m. on the Friday before election day.