At a Glance: Idaho

Idaho Voting Rules

Voter Registration Form:
Forms can be found here.

Deadline to Register:
Voter registration forms must be hand delivered or postmarked 25 days prior to the election (Oct 10, 2008). Voters are also able to register to vote at the polls on Election Day by making an oath in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State, providing any document which contains a valid address in the precinct and providing a photo ID card as well as completing a voter registration form.

Voter Eligibility:
In order to be eligible to register to vote in the state on Idaho, individuals must: be a US citizen; be at least 18 years of age by Election Day; have been a resident of Idaho and the county in which they attend to register for at least 30 days; and have not been convicted of a felony unless they have had their civil rights restored.

Identification Requirements:
If the individual is first-time voter in Idaho, a copy of a current and valid photo identification or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows their name and address must be submitted with the voter registration form or shown at the polls prior to voting.

Where to Turn in Your Registration:
Voter registration forms should be returned to the voter’s local County Election Office. A list of County Election Offices can be found attached to the voter registration form here.

How to Register Others:
There are no state-specific restrictions on registering voters.

Absentee Voting:
Any registered voter can vote absentee by mail. No excuses are necessary.
Application Process: Applications should be returned to the voter’s local County Elections Office. A list of County Election Offices can be found attached to the absentee ballot application below.
Begin the Application Process
Dates: Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the County Clerk at least 6 days prior to Election Day (Oct 29, 2008). Absentee ballots must be received by the local County Clerk no later than 5pm on the day before Election Day (Nov 3, 2008).

Early Vote:
Any registered voter may vote in-person absentee, no excuses necessary.
Dates: In-person absentee voting may occur at the voter’s local County Clerk’s Office up until 5pm the day before the election (Nov 3, 2008). Contact local County Clerk’s Offices for specific start dates for early voting.

For More Information
Idaho Secretary of State, Election Division
700 W Jefferson, Room 203
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0080
Phone: 208-334-2300
Fax: 208-334-2282
E-mail: elections@sos.idaho.gov
Visit their website

Info about veterans, voting in other states, etc.

Please see this website for more information on U.S. Military Voter Services and voting overseas.

Click here to return to our Voter Registration Action Center home page.

Read our voter registration event guide here.

Visit Idaho's state home page.