Idaho Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Idaho, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; mail: Must be received 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; in-person: Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration at early voting and on Nov. 3.
Early voting schedule: Early and in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30 in counties that offer it. Dates and sites vary by county. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your county clerk must receive your absentee request by 5 p.m. local time on Oct. 23. Ballot return deadline: Your county clerk must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
ID requirement for Idaho: Show a photo ID: an Idaho driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport or federal photo ID, tribal ID, or Idaho concealed-weapons license. If you don't have one, you can sign a Personal Identification Affidavit and vote. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Idaho election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourcesos.idaho.govBallot information sourcesos.idaho.govCandidate information sourcesos.idaho.govVoter Registration
- Online
- 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23
- By mail
- Must be received 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23
- In person
- Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration at early voting and on Nov. 3
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Idaho, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
May 19, 2026
- Primary
- May 19, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Early and in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30 in counties that offer it. Dates and sites vary by county.Source: voteidaho.gov
- Ballot request
- Your county clerk must receive your absentee request by 5 p.m. local time on Oct. 23.Source: voteidaho.gov
- Ballot return
- Your county clerk must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.Source: voteidaho.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
Show a photo ID: an Idaho driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport or federal photo ID, tribal ID, or Idaho concealed-weapons license. If you don't have one, you can sign a Personal Identification Affidavit and vote.
Source: voteidaho.govMail voting guidance
Any registered voter in Idaho can request an absentee ballot by mail, and no excuse is needed. An online request needs your state-issued ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and you must sign the return envelope.
Source: voteidaho.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
Envelopes
Stamps
Black/blue pens
Small file folder
Calendar and reminder planner
Address labels
Privacy roller stamp
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House and U.S. Senate.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Idaho for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Idaho: online - 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; by mail - Must be received 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; in person - Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration at early voting and on Nov. 3. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Idaho, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Idaho Secretary of State Elections Division for full details.
When does early voting start in Idaho?
Primary dates are set for May 19, 2026. Regarding early voting: Early and in-person absentee voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30 in counties that offer it. Dates and sites vary by county.
Do I need an ID to vote in Idaho?
You must confirm your specific situation. Show a photo ID: an Idaho driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport or federal photo ID, tribal ID, or Idaho concealed-weapons license. If you don't have one, you can sign a Personal Identification Affidavit and vote.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Idaho?
Timing is critical for absentee voting. Your county clerk must receive your absentee request by 5 p.m. local time on Oct. 23. Your county clerk must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Any registered voter in Idaho can request an absentee ballot by mail, and no excuse is needed. An online request needs your state-issued ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and you must sign the return envelope.