To run for an elected office and appear on the ballot in Idaho, you must:
Even before you file to run for office, you may need to report donations and expenditures for your campaign. All money raised or spent in relation to a campaign must be accounted for and tracked. This includes the use of personal money for this purpose. Once a candidate has raised or spent $500 for a political campaign, a candidate must file the appointment of a political treasurer and begin reporting the campaign finances, including the sources and expenses for the first $500. Learn more in our quick guide to campaign finance for state and local office and visit our campaign finance page.
For information on filing to run for office, visit the candidate filing page.
United States senators are elected at general elections. The term of office is six (6) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of United States senator unless he has attained the age of thirty (30) years at the time of his election, has been a citizen of the United States at least nine (9) years and shall reside within the state at the time of his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of five hundred dollars ($500). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains five hundred signatures (500) from qualified electors within the proper district. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
United States congressional representatives are elected at general elections. The term of office is two (2) years.
No person shall be elected to the house of representatives unless he has attained the age of twenty-five (25) years at the time of his election, has been a citizen of the United States at least seven (7) years and shall reside within the state at the time of his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains five hundred signatures (500) from qualified electors within the proper district. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
Presidential electors are elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to this position unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of the election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Such electors shall be certified to the secretary of state as provided for by law.
The Governor is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of governor unless he shall have attained the age of thirty (30) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of lieutenant governor unless he shall have attained the age of thirty (30) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of secretary of state unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-five (25) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The State Controller is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of state controller unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-five (25) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The State Treasurer is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of state treasurer unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-five (25) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The Attorney General is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of attorney general unless he shall have attained the age of thirty (30) years at the time of his election, is admitted to the practice of law within the state, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction is elected at general elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of superintendent of public instruction unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-five (25) years at the time of his election; is a citizen of the United States; has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and shall have resided within the state two (2) years next preceding his election.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
State representatives are elected at general elections. The term of office is two (2) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of representative unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of the general election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have been a registered elector within the legislative district one (1) year next preceding the general election at which he offers his candidacy.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State. The candidate shall declare in their declaration of candidacy the specific seat or position that they seek.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of thirty dollars ($30). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains fifty signatures (50) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
State senators are elected at general elections. The term of office is two (2) years.
No person shall be elected to the office of senator unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of the general election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have been a registered elector within the legislative district one (1) year next preceding the general election at which he offers his candidacy.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State. The candidate shall declare in their declaration of candidacy the specific seat or position that they seek if in a multi-member legislative district Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of thirty dollars ($30). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains fifty signatures (50) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
Justices of the supreme court are elected at primary elections. The term of office is two (2) years.
To be elected or appointed to the office of justice of the supreme court a person must, at the time of such election or appointment, meet all of the following qualifications: (a) Be at least thirty (30) years of age; (b) Be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the state of Idaho; (c) Have been a legal resident of the state of Idaho for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such election or appointment; (d) Have been in good standing as an active or judicial member of the Idaho state bar for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such election or appointment; and (e) Have held a license to practice law or held a judicial office in one (1) or more jurisdictions for at least ten (10) continuous years immediately preceding such election or appointment.
For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Active”, “judicial”, and “good standing” have the same definitions as those terms are given by rule 301 of the Idaho bar commission rules or any successors to those rules; (b) “Jurisdiction” means a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or any branch of the United States military; and (c) “Elector” means one who is lawfully registered to vote.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains one thousand signatures (1,000) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
District judges are elected at primary elections. The term of office is four (4) years.
To be elected to the office of district judge a person must, at the time of such election, meet all of the following qualifications: (a) Be at least thirty (30) years of age; (b) Be a citizen of the United States and an elector in the judicial district in which elected; (c) Have been a legal resident of the state of Idaho for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such election; (d) Have been in good standing as an active or judicial member of the Idaho state bar for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such election; and (e) Have held a license to practice law or held a judicial office in one (1) or more jurisdictions for at least ten (10) continuous years immediately preceding such election.
To be appointed to the office of district judge a person must, at the time of such appointment, meet all of the following qualifications: (a) Be at least thirty (30) years of age; (b) Be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the state of Idaho; (c) Have been a legal resident of the state of Idaho for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such appointment; (d) Have been in good standing as an active or judicial member of the Idaho state bar for at least two (2) continuous years immediately preceding such appointment; and (e) Have held a license to practice law or held a judicial office in one (1) or more jurisdictions for at least ten (10) continuous years immediately preceding such appointment.
For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Active”, “judicial”, and “good standing” have the same definitions as those terms are given by rule 301 of the Idaho bar commission rules or any successors to those rules; (b) “Jurisdiction” means a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or any branch of the United States military; and (c) “Elector” means one who is lawfully registered to vote.
Candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State. The form is provided by the Secretary of State.
Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Alternatively, the candidate can file a nominating petition which contains two hundred signatures (200) from qualified electors. The petition format is provided by the Secretary of State.
34-617. ELECTION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) A board of county commissioners shall be elected in each county at the general elections as provided by section 31-703, Idaho Code. (2) No person shall be elected to the board of county commissioners unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of the election, is a citizen of the United States, and shall have resided in the county one (1) year next preceding his election and in the district which he represents for a period of ninety (90) days next preceding the primary election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.
34-618. ELECTION OF COUNTY SHERIFFS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1972, and every four (4) years thereafter, a sheriff shall be elected in every county. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of sheriff unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury. (5) Each person who has been elected to the office of sheriff for the first time shall complete a tutorial concerning current Idaho law and rules as prescribed by the Idaho peace officers standards and training academy, unless the person is already certified as a chief of police, peace officer or detention deputy in the state of Idaho, and shall attend the newly elected sheriffs’ school sponsored by the Idaho sheriffs’ association.
34-619. ELECTION OF CLERKS OF DISTRICT COURT—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a clerk of the district court shall be elected in every county. The clerk of the district court shall be the ex-officio auditor and recorder. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of clerk of the district court unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.
34-620. ELECTION OF COUNTY TREASURERS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a county treasurer shall be elected in every county. The county treasurer shall be the ex-officio public administrator and ex-officio tax collector. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of county treasurer unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.
34-621. ELECTION OF COUNTY ASSESSORS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a county assessor shall be elected in every county. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of county assessor unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.
34-622. ELECTION OF COUNTY CORONERS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1986, and every four (4) years thereafter, a coroner shall be elected in every county. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of coroner unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury. (5) All newly elected or appointed county coroners shall attend a coroner’s school within one (1) year of taking office. Such school shall be sponsored or endorsed by the Idaho state association of county coroners.
34-623. ELECTION OF COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the general election, 1984, and every four (4) years thereafter, a prosecuting attorney shall be elected in every county. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of prosecuting attorney unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is admitted to the practice of law within this state, is a citizen of the United States and a qualified elector within the county. (3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.
34-624. ELECTION OF PRECINCT COMMITTEEMEN—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) At the primary election, 1980, and every two (2) years thereafter, a precinct committeeman for each political party shall be elected in every voting precinct within each county. The term of office of a precinct committeeman shall be from the eighth day following the primary election until the eighth day following the next succeeding primary election. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of precinct committeeman unless he has attained the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States, and is a registered elector of the voting precinct for a period of six (6) months next preceding his election. (3) Each candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy with the county clerk. (4) No filing fee shall be charged any candidate at the time of his filing his declaration of candidacy.
34-625. ELECTION OF HIGHWAY DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS IN SINGLE COUNTYWIDE DISTRICTS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) In each general election, highway district commissioners in single countywide districts shall be elected as provided for in section 40-1404, Idaho Code. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of highway district commissioner unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States, and shall be a resident of the highway district commissioner’s subdistrict for which he seeks office. (3) Each candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy with the county clerk not less than ninety (90) days prior to the general election. Each declaration of candidacy shall also bear the following words: “I am a resident within the boundaries of Highway District Commissioner’s Subdistrict Number …..” (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of ten dollars ($10.00) which shall be deposited in the county current expense fund.
34-625A. ELECTION OF HIGHWAY DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS IN CERTAIN SINGLE COUNTYWIDE DISTRICTS—QUALIFICATIONS. (1) In each general election, highway district commissioners in single countywide districts shall be elected as provided for in section 40-1404A, Idaho Code. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of highway district commissioner unless he shall have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States, and shall be a resident of the highway district commissioner’s subdistrict for which he seeks office. (3) Each candidate shall file a declaration of candidacy with the county clerk not less than ninety (90) days prior to the general election. Each declaration of candidacy shall also bear the following words: “I am a resident within the boundaries of Highway District Commissioner’s Subdistrict Number …..” (4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of ten dollars ($10.00) which shall be deposited in the county current expense fund.
