Candidate Filing
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Filing for Office in 2025
Updated Candidate Filing Dates
The candidate filing dates have recently been updated following the passage of House Bill 278. This page and the declaration forms reflect the updated candidate filing deadlines.
Special Districts & City Offices
Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy AND a Petition of Candidacy*聽with the corresponding district office before 5:00 p.m. on the filing deadline for the election in which they are running.
November Election Filing Period: August 18-29, 2025
*The Petition of Candidacy form is included with the Declaration of Candidacy PDF file linked above. Candidates for Special District office must have valid signatures for at least 5 eligible voters within the district, zone, or political subdivision.
May Election Candidates
The following Special District offices will be voted on in the May Election:
- Auditorium
- Highway
- Hospital
- Library
- Water and Sewer
- Weather Modification
November Election Candidates
The following offices will be voted on in the November Election:
- Ambulance Service District Commissioner
- Cemetery
- Fire Protection
- Recreation
- School Trustee
- City Offices
Write-In Candidates
Write-In candidates must file a Declaration of Intent with the corresponding district office before 5:00 p.m. on the filing deadline for the election in which they are running.
Write-In Declaration of Intent Form [PDF]
November Election Filing Deadline: September 5, 2025
Filing for Office in 2026
Candidate Filing Opens February 23, 2026
Declaration of Candidacy forms will be made available after the November 2025 election.
Federal & Statwide Offices
If you are planning to run as an independent candidate and wish to appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot, please note that you are required to file by petition.
The petition forms for independent candidates are available below. Be sure to review all instructions carefully and meet the signature requirements and deadlines outlined in Idaho law.
2026 Primary Election Filing Period: February 23-27, 2026
- Federal Independent Candidate Petition Form [PDF]
- Statewide Independent Candidate Petition Form聽[PDF]
Please contact our office before starting your petition for candidacy so we can set it up in our system. This ensures that county officials can review your petition signatures properly.
Withdrawing as a Candidate
Candidates may withdraw their candidacy by submitting the Withdrawal of Candidacy Form before the withdrawal deadline.
November Election Withdrawal Deadline: September 5, 2025
More Information
Looking for current officeholders?
Find more local-level candidate filing information with the county elections office.
Learn more about running for office.
