Election Information

Idaho has three possible dates for elections each year in May, August, and November. Elections are held for everything from local districts up to presidential elections. Check out the election calendar for upcoming elections. Your specific local district(s) may not have an election if there are no contested races or measures up for election.

Polls are open on Election Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A group of men and women standing at individual voting booths.

Upcoming Election

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 is the Idaho Primary Election

Deadline to register online: April 26, 2024

Deadline to request an absentee ballot: May 10, 2024

What is on the Ballot?

The Idaho primary election includes races for state legislator, county sheriff, county prosecuting attorney and county commissioner.

There are three different types of elections Idahoans can participate in — general, primary, and consolidated or district elections. Elections recur on a cycle.

General Elections

General Elections are held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November and are open to all registered voters regardless of party affiliation.

Successful party candidates from the Primary Election appear on the ballot along with statewide constitutional amendments, initiatives, referendums, and some taxing district elections.

Primary Elections

Party Primary Elections to select party candidates for federal, state, and county offices are held in even-numbered years on the third Tuesday in May. Those candidates who receive the most votes during the primary election go on to run in the general election.

Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote in.

In Idaho, each political party chooses which voters may participate in the primary election for that party. Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote on. Learn more about political party affiliation in Idaho.

Any voter may choose to vote on a non-partisan ballot, which includes ballot measure questions and judicial positions.

Consolidated/District Elections

Local district and city elections run on a recurring cycle that varies by district type and position or measure. These elections typically coincide with a general or primary election, as well as the last Tuesday in August for school bond and levy, recall, and special questions.

Election Calendar