Idaho
Voting Guide
Registration Deadlines and Election Dates
Voter Registration Deadline: Postmarked or completed no later than the 25th day before Election Day.
After this deadline eligible voters may, however, register to vote and cast a ballot at the same time at their early voting location in jurisdictions where early voting is offered.
2024 Election Information
Primary Elections: May 21
Registration Deadline: April 26
Mail Ballot Application Deadline: May 10 at 5:00pm
General Election: November 5
Registration Deadline: October 11
Mail Ballot Application Deadline: October 25 at 5:00pm
Official Election Websites
More election information at:
Online voter registration is available at:
elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ApplicationInstructions.aspx
Mail-in PDF voter registration form is available at:
Register at School or Home
Students have a decision about where to register to vote.
You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family's home or the place where you attend school. You should update your registration anytime this home address changes.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
What Type of ID Do I Need to Register?
Online Registration: To register online, you must have a current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not have the required identification, you must register to vote in person or by mail.
By Mail or In Person Registration: All individuals whether registering in person or by mail, are required to present a current photo ID and proof of residency. Proof of identification and proof of residency can be satisfied by the following documents:
Identification
A current Idaho driver’s license or ID card,
A current passport or other ID issued by the federal government,
A current tribal identification card or
A current Idaho concealed carry permit.
Residency
Any form of photo ID listed above that contains your current residential address;
A deed, trust, mortgage, or lease agreement;
Utility bill;
Bank or credit card statement;
Paystub or paycheck;
Enrollment papers from a high school or accredited postsecondary institution in Idaho;
For a complete list of acceptable documents to prove identity and residency, please visit: https://voteidaho.gov/identification-requirements/
What Type of ID Do I Need to Vote?
Idaho voters are required to present a photo identification before voting in person, either at the polls or during early voting, or sign a Personal Identification Affidavit. Acceptable identification includes:
An Idaho driver’s license or identification card issued by the Idaho transportation department
A U.S. passport or federal photo identification card
A tribal photo identification card
An Idaho concealed carry permit
Where Do I Vote?
Make a plan. Look up your voting site and hours at:
elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ViewPollingLocation.aspx
How Can I Vote?
By Mail: Any registered Idaho voter may vote by mail. Voters may request an absentee ballot online or by submitting a paper application. All absentee ballot applications must be received
by 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day before Election Day. Once you have received and completed your absentee ballot, it can be returned in-person at your county clerk's office or by mail and must be received by the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Learn more about voting absentee at: https://voteidaho.gov/absentee-voter-information/
Early In person: In counties that choose to conduct early voting, any registered Idaho voter can vote in person at an early voting site until 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. Contact your county clerk's office for information about early voting dates, times, and locations.
Election Day: Voting sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Some counties may open their polling places earlier; contact your county clerk for additional information. If you are in line by the closing time, then you have the right to vote.
Curbside voting is available in special circumstances. For more information about accessible voting options, visit: voteidaho.gov/accessibility
Common Questions/Concerns
Does Registering to Vote Affect my Federal Financial Aid?
Where you register to vote will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA.
Does Registering to Vote Affect my Status as a Dependent on My Parents’ Taxes?
Being registered to vote at a different address from your parents does not prevent them from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes.
Does Registering to Vote impact my Tuition Status?
Being deemed out-of-state for tuition purposes does not prevent you from choosing to register to vote in your campus community.
Will registering to vote in Idaho affect my driver’s license or car registration?
As a full–time student in Idaho, you may have to make changes to your driver’s license or car registration if you are a resident of the state regardless of whether you register to vote in Idaho. For more information, you may wish to contact the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles.
Fair Elections Center and Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed Idaho legal professional.
Last updated January 2024