How to Vote in Idaho's 2022 Elections

En español | Idaho’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the state Senate and House, the state Supreme Court, and for governor and other state offices. The state’s primary was May 17.

Essential info:

• Absentee voting: Idaho is a no-excuse voting state, allowing all registered voters to vote absentee.  

• Early in-person voting: All counties must offer either early voting or in-person absentee voting. Contact your county clerk’s office to find out which option is available in your county. You can also call the state elections office at 208-334-2852 or email elections@sos.idaho.gov.

• In-person voting on Election Day: The general election takes place on Nov. 8. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What's new this year?

Idaho's state legislative redistricting plan has redrawn the boundaries of districts across the state, changing which candidates will appear on voters' ballots. You can check which district you are voting in on the Idaho Secretary of State's website.

What races are on the ballot?

• U.S. Senate: Mike Crapo (R), David Roth (D)
• U.S. House: District 1- Russ Fulcher (R), Kaylee Peterson (D); District 2 - Michael K. Simpson (R), Wendy Norman (D)
• Governor: Brad Little (R), Stephen Heidt (D)
• State Senate: All 35 seats
• State House: All 70 seats

How do I register to vote?

• Online:  Use the state’s online portal to register to vote or update an existing registration. You must have a valid Idaho driver’s license or an identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles to complete your online voter registration.  If you do not have either, you must register to vote by mail or in person.

• By mail: Download a voter registration form, print it out and mail the completed application to your county clerk’s office. Your application must be postmarked 25 days prior to Election Day — that’s Oct. 14 for the general election. If you miss the deadline, Idaho also allows Election Day registration at your polling place. More information is on the state elections website. 
  
• In person: Visit your county clerk’s office to pick up a voter registration form or call the state elections office at 208-334-2852 or send an email to elections@sos.idaho.gov to request one be mailed to you. Fill it out and drop it off at your county clerk’s office by Oct. 14 or at your polling place on Election Day.

How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

• Online: Use the state’s online request form to apply for an absentee ballot. To apply online, you must be registered to vote and be ready to input a valid state driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.  

• By mail or phone: Contact your county clerk’s office to have an absentee ballot application mailed to you.

• In person: Pick up an absentee ballot application at your county clerk’s office. 

The deadline to request absentee ballots is Oct. 28. Submit your completed absentee ballot by mail or in person at your county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Can I track my absentee ballot?

Yes. Use the “Check your voter record” online tool on the state elections website to track your ballot. 

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Early voting in Idaho is organized on a county-by-county basis. All counties must offer either early voting or in-person absentee balloting, which takes place at your county clerk’s office. Contact your county clerk’s office to find out which option is available in your district and how to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day. The general election’s early voting period starts Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

The general election is Nov. 8. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, although county clerks may open polls as early as 7 a.m. Use the elections website’s online tool to find your polling place.

Do I need identification to vote?

Yes. All registered voters must present a valid photo ID, such as a state driver’s license, a U.S. passport or a tribal photo identification card. A list of acceptable IDs is on the state elections website. If you do not have an approved photo ID, you’ll be given a Personal Identification Affidavit to sign, in which you swear to your identity under a felony penalty of perjury.

If you register on Election Day, you must bring a valid driver’s license or state ID card, or provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you are unable to provide an acceptable form of ID, you will also need to complete and sign the Personal Identification Affidavit provided by an election clerk at your polling place. 

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on June 1 with information about how to vote in the 2022 general election. The guide was first published on July 28, 2020. 

Also of Interest

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections  
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/idaho