Skip to main content

Idaho elections in 2026

This page lists Idaho statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Idaho​

Start with the official Idaho voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Idaho voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • October 23, 2026 — Preregistration Deadline: Voter registrations must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. local time — for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-408 and §34-410, Idaho Code]
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. I. C. § 34-408A.

Online​

The online system can be used to register to vote or update existing Idaho voter registration information. You must have a current and valid Driver’s License or Identification Card issued by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the Online Voter Registration Process.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You will need to fill out and sign a paper Voter Registration Application (Form ERM-1) and submit the completed card to your local County Clerk’s Office. If mailed, your registration application must be postmarked by the 25th day prior to election.

Deadlines

In Person​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. I. C. § 34-408A

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. I. C. § 34-408A

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Idaho​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • October 13, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: Third Monday before election (in-person absentee). For the Nov. 3 election in those counties that choose to conduct early voting. [34- 1012, Idaho Code]
  • October 23, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Application Deadline: Applications must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. — for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-1002(7), Idaho Code]
  • October 29, 2026 — Emergency Absentee Ballots: County clerks may receive emergency absentee ballot applications through 5 p. m. on November 2 from those who cannot be present for voting due to hospitalization if hospitalization began after 5 p. m. on October 23. [§34-1002A, Idaho Code]
  • October 30, 2026 — In-Person Absentee/Early Voting Ends: Early Voting Ends 5 p. m. , Friday before election.
  • November 3, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Voted absentee ballots must be received — by the county clerk — by 8 p. m. for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-1005, Idaho Code]

Voter ID requirements in Idaho​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Idaho voter ID requirements.

Idaho election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 19, 2026​

A primary election is held on the third Tuesday in May of each year in which a general election is held. ID tile34 5 Ch 6 Sec. 01

Important dates​

  • April 27, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: Early Voting May Begin - For the primary election in those counties that choose to conduct early voting. [§34-1012, Idaho Code]
  • May 8, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Application Deadline: Absentee Ballot Application Deadline - Applications must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. local time – for the primary election. [§34-1002(7), Idaho Code]
  • May 8, 2026 — Preregistration Deadline: Preregistration Deadline - Voter registrations must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. local time – for the primary election. [§34-408 and §34-410, Idaho Code]
  • May 14, 2026 — Emergency Absentee Ballots: Emergency Absentee Ballot - County clerks may receive emergency absentee ballot applications through 5 p. m. on May 18 from those who cannot be present for voting due to hospitalization, if hospitalization occurred after 5 p. m. on May 8. [§34-1002A, Idaho Code]
  • May 15, 2026 — In-Person Absentee/Early Voting Ends: Early Voting Ends 5 p. m. , Friday before election.
  • May 19, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Absentee Ballot Return Deadline - Voted absentee ballots must be received — by the county clerk — by 8 p. m. for the May 19 election. [§34-1005, Idaho Code]
  • May 19, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. I. C. § 34-408A.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 13, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: Third Monday before election (in-person absentee). For the Nov. 3 election in those counties that choose to conduct early voting. [34- 1012, Idaho Code]
  • October 23, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Application Deadline: Applications must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. — for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-1002(7), Idaho Code]
  • October 23, 2026 — Preregistration Deadline: Voter registrations must be received by the county clerk by 5 p. m. local time — for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-408 and §34-410, Idaho Code]
  • October 29, 2026 — Emergency Absentee Ballots: County clerks may receive emergency absentee ballot applications through 5 p. m. on November 2 from those who cannot be present for voting due to hospitalization if hospitalization began after 5 p. m. on October 23. [§34-1002A, Idaho Code]
  • October 30, 2026 — In-Person Absentee/Early Voting Ends: Early Voting Ends 5 p. m. , Friday before election.
  • November 3, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Voted absentee ballots must be received — by the county clerk — by 8 p. m. for the Nov. 3 election. [§34-1005, Idaho Code]
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. I. C. § 34-408A.

Official Idaho election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.