Casting Your Ballot
Once you’ve registered to vote, you’ll have several options for casting your ballot. Some options vary by county. Contact your county elections office for more information.
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Vote on Election Day
Visit your voting location (polling place) on Election Day between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You are assigned a specific voting location based on your physical address.
Be prepared to show a photo ID. Learn more about what to expect when you arrive to vote.
Vote Early
Many Idaho counties offer early voting, typically beginning two weeks before an upcoming election. Check with your county elections office for dates and times.
Accessible Voting for Voters with Disabilities
Every Idaho voter has the right to vote privately and independently. Visit the resource page with information on accessible voting.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting allows you to vote if you are out of town on Election Day or prefer to vote from the comfort of your home. Any registered voter in Idaho may request an absentee ballot to be mailed to their address.
To request an absentee ballot:
- Make sure voter registration requirements have been met.
- Complete the absentee ballot request form.
- Select which elections in the current year you’d like to receive an absentee ballot.
- For applications through the online request form, provide your state-issued ID and the last four digits of your social security number. We use your Idaho state-issued ID and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to match your absentee ballot request with your signed voter registration form. No scanning of your ID or Social Security Card is necessary.
You must complete a new absentee ballot request form each calendar year.
Once your absentee ballot arrives:
- You will receive instructions, a secrecy sleeve, and a return envelope with the ballot.
- Follow the instructions carefully. Mark your ballot using a blue or black ink pen (avoid highlighters and markers like Sharpies!) and fill in the box or oval completely.
- Pay attention to ballot instructions and vote only for the appropriate number of candidates in each race.
- Remember to sign the outside of the return envelope. All signatures will be verified by elections staff.
- Add the required postage to the return envelope if mailing.
Return the completed ballot by mail, to an official elections drop box, or your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day for your vote to be counted.
Check The Status Of Your Absentee Ballot On Your Voter Record.
Military & Overseas Voting (UOCAVA)
If you are a United States citizen (civilian or military) currently living abroad and eligible to vote in Idaho, you may request a ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
First, complete the Federal Postcard Application and return it to your county election office.
Follow the instructions on the federal site for Idaho. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
- UOCAVA new registrations deadline: postmark application 25 days before the election.
- Registered UOCAVA voters’ deadline: your request must arrive at your county elections office by 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day before the election.
- Return your completed ballot deadline: your ballot must arrive at your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
