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title-34•Title 34 — Elections
Idaho Code, published by the Idaho Legislative Services Office. Idaho Statutes are updated to the website July 1 following the legislative session.
"General election" means the national, state and county election held on the first Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year.
At these elections there shall be chosen all congressional, state and county officers, including electors of president and vice-president of the United States, as are by law to be elected in such years.
All amendments to the Idaho constitution shall be submitted to the voters for their approval at these elections.
[34-101, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 1, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 1, p. 881.]
"Primary election" means an election held for the purpose of nominating persons as candidates of political parties for election to offices, and for the purpose of electing persons as members of the controlling committees of political parties. Primary elections shall be held on the third Tuesday of May in each even-numbered year.
[34-102, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 2, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 2, p. 881; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 11, p. 469; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 1, p. 834; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 10, p. 30; am. 2012, ch. 33, sec. 1, p. 103; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 1, p. 1166; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 1, p. 574.]
"Special election" means any election other than a general or primary election held at any time for any purpose provided by law.
[34-103, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 3, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 3, p. 881.]
"Qualified elector" means any person who is eighteen (18) years of age, is a United States citizen and who has resided in this state and in the county at least thirty (30) days next preceding the election at which he desires to vote, and who is registered as required by law.
[34-104, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 4, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 4, p. 881; am. 1972, ch. 350, sec. 1, p. 1036; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 1, p. 646; am. 1982, ch. 253, sec. 1, p. 645.]
"Registered elector", for the purpose of this act, means any "qualified elector".
[34-105, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 5, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 5, p. 881.]
On and after January 1, 2011, notwithstanding any other provisions of the law to the contrary, there shall be no more than two (2) elections conducted in any county in any calendar year, except as provided in this section or section 34-220, Idaho Code, and except that elections to fill vacancies in the United States house of representatives shall be held as provided in the governor’s proclamation.
(1) The dates on which elections may be conducted are:
(a) The third Tuesday in May of each year; and
(b) The Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each year.
(c) In addition to the elections specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection and subsection (7) of this section, an emergency election may be called upon motion of the governing board of a political subdivision. An emergency exists when there is a great public calamity, such as an extraordinary fire, flood, storm, epidemic, or other disaster, or when it is necessary to do emergency work to prepare for national or local defense or to safeguard life, health or property.
(2) Candidates for office elected in May shall take office on the date specified in the certificate of election but not more than sixty (60) days following the election.
(3) Candidates for office elected in November shall take office as provided in the constitution or on January 1 next succeeding the November election.
(4) The governing board of each political subdivision subject to the provisions of this section that, prior to January 1, 2011, conducted an election for members of that governing board on a date other than a date permitted in subsection (1) of this section shall establish as the election date for that political subdivision the date authorized in subsection (1) of this section that falls nearest the date on which elections were previously conducted, unless another date is established by law.
(5) The secretary of state is authorized to provide such assistance as necessary and to prescribe any needed rules or interpretations for the conduct of an election authorized under the provisions of this section.
(6) Water districts governed by chapter 6, title 42, Idaho Code, are exempt from the provisions of this section.
(7) Community colleges governed by chapter 21, title 33, Idaho Code, and school districts are subject to the limitations specified in subsection (1) of this section.
(8) A city initiative or referendum election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years. A county initiative or referendum election or a bond, levy or other ballot question election conducted by any political subdivision shall be held on the nearest date authorized in subsection (1) of this section as long as the ballot language for any question to be placed on the ballot is submitted to the county clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Friday before the election.
(9) Recall elections may be held on any of the dates authorized in subsection (1) of this section as long as the recall petition is certified no later than the tenth Friday before the next scheduled election.
(10) Irrigation districts governed by title 43, Idaho Code, are subject to the limitations specified in subsection (1) of this section, except that irrigation districts may also hold an election on the first Tuesday in February of each year and on the first Tuesday in August of each year on questions required to be voted on by title 43, Idaho Code.
[34-106, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 2, p. 554; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 3, p. 1158; am. 2007, ch. 92, sec. 2, p. 272; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 55, p. 1030; am. 2010, ch. 185, sec. 6, p. 386; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 11, p. 30; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 3, p. 308; am. 2015, ch. 285, sec. 1, p. 1155; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 2, p. 1167; am. 2018, ch. 238, sec. 1, p. 557; am. 2022, ch. 73, sec. 2, p. 213; am. 2023, ch. 200, sec. 3, p. 543; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 2, p. 574; am. 2023, ch. 218, sec. 7, p. 611; am. 2024, ch. 237, sec. 7, p. 827; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 5, p. 602.]
(1) "Residence," for voting purposes, shall be the principal or primary home or place of abode of a person. Principal or primary home or place of abode is that home or place in which his habitation is fixed and to which a person, whenever he is absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of absence.
(2) If a person claims an exemption under section 63-602G, Idaho Code, then the homestead for which the exemption is claimed shall be the person’s residence for voting purposes. If no such exemption is claimed, then in determining the principal or primary place of abode of a person, the following circumstances relating to such person may be taken into account: business pursuits, employment, income sources, residence for income or other tax pursuits, residence of parents, spouse, and children, if any, leaseholds, situs of personal and real property, and motor vehicle registration.
(3) A qualified elector who has left his home and gone into another state or territory or county of this state for a temporary purpose only shall not be considered to have lost his residence.
(4) A qualified elector shall not be considered to have gained a residence in any county or city of this state into which he comes for temporary purposes only, without the intention of making it his home but with the intention of leaving it when he has accomplished the purpose that brought him there.
(5) If a qualified elector moves to another state, or to any of the other territories, with the intention of making it his permanent home, he shall be considered to have lost his residence in this state.
[34-107, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 7, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 7, p. 881; am. 1982, ch. 215, sec. 1, p. 589; am. 1989, ch. 147, sec. 1, p. 354; am. 1996, ch. 322, sec. 34, p. 1063; am. 2022, ch. 81, sec. 1, p. 229.]
"Election official" means the secretary of state, any county clerk, registrar, judge of election, clerk of election, canvassing board or board of county commissioners engaged in the performance of election duties as required by law.
[34-108, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 8, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 194, sec. 8, p. 881.]
"Political party" means an affiliation of electors representing a political group under a given name as authorized by law.
[34-109, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 9, p. 351.]
"Election register" means the voter registration cards of all electors who are qualified to appear and vote at the designated polling places.
[34-110, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 10, p. 351.]
(1) "Combination election record and poll book" means the book containing a listing of registered electors who are qualified to appear and vote at the designated polling places. An additional copy of the combination election record and poll book may be maintained to record that the elector has voted.
(2) The county clerk shall deliver to the chief election judge in each precinct, as other election supplies and materials are delivered, a list in alphabetical order of all registered electors referred to in section 34-110, Idaho Code. This list shall constitute the combination election record and poll book of each precinct. This list shall include the residence address of each elector. For any given precinct, the list may be divided into two (2) or more separate parts and shall be alphabetical according to the name of the registered elector.
(3) The county clerk shall administer an oath of office to the chief judge of each precinct, before or upon delivering supplies. The county clerk may delegate his authority to administer oath of the chief judge to any officer authorized to administer oaths, including notaries public.
(4) Before entering upon the discharge of their duties, the election judges shall take and subscribe an oath in the combination election record and poll book. Such oaths shall be administered by the chief judge of the precinct. Should the chief judge fail to be present any officer authorized to administer oaths including notaries public may administer oaths to the election judges. Blank oaths of office shall be attached to the combination election record and poll book.
(5) The combination election record and poll book shall be in the manner and form prescribed by the secretary of state.
(6) Immediately after the close of the polls, the names of the electors who voted shall be counted and the number written and certified in the combination election record and poll book. The combination election record and poll book shall be immediately signed by each of the election board judges.
[34-111, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 11, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 350, sec. 3, p. 1036; am. 1982, ch. 137, sec. 1, p. 388.]
"Electronic poll book" means an electronic list of registered voters for a particular precinct or polling location that may be transported to the polling location. The electronic poll book shall contain the same information as the combination election record and poll book as defined in this chapter.
[34-111A, added 2015, ch. 282, sec. 1, p. 1147.]
"County clerk" means the clerk of the district court.
[34-112, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 12, p. 351.]
"Candidate" means and includes every person for whom it is contemplated or desired that votes be cast at any political convention, primary, general or special election, and who either tacitly or expressly consents to be so considered, except candidates for president and vice-president of the United States.
[34-113, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 13, p. 351.]
"Tally book" or "tally list" means the forms in which the votes cast for any candidate or special question are counted and totaled at the polling precinct.
[34-114, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 14, p. 351.]
All references to the male elector includes the female elector and the masculine pronoun includes the feminine.
[34-115, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 15, p. 351.]
Calendar days shall be used in all computations of time made under the provisions of this act. In computing time for any act to be done before any election, the first day shall be included and the last, or election day, shall be excluded. Sundays, Saturdays and legal holidays shall be included, but if the time for any act to be done shall fall on Sunday, Saturday or a legal holiday, such act shall be done upon the day following such Sunday, Saturday or legal holiday.
[34-116, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 16, p. 351; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 1, p. 748.]
"Judicial nominating election" means an election held for the purpose of selecting justices of the supreme court and judges of the district court as are by law to be selected at such election. This election shall be held on the date of the statewide primary election.
[I.C., sec. 34-117, as added by 1971, ch. 194, sec. 9, p. 881.]
The secretary of state is the chief election officer of this state, and it is his responsibility to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws.
The secretary of state is responsible for providing information regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by absent uniformed service voters and overseas voters with respect to elections for federal office as required by section 102 of the uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act (42 U.S.C. section 1973 et seq.).
If a national or local emergency or other situation arises which makes substantial compliance with the provisions of the uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act impossible or unreasonable, such as a natural disaster or an armed conflict involving United States armed forces, mobilization of those forces, including state national guard and reserve components of this state, the secretary of state may prescribe, by directive, such special procedures or requirements as may be necessary to facilitate absentee voting by those citizens directly affected who otherwise are eligible to vote in this state.
[34-201, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 17, p. 351; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 1, p. 181.]
In carrying out his responsibility under section 34-201, Idaho Code, the secretary of state shall cause to be prepared and distributed to each county clerk detailed and comprehensive written directives and instructions relating to and based upon the election laws as they apply to elections, registration of electors and voting procedures which by law are under the direction and control of the county clerk. Such directives and instructions shall include sample forms of ballots, papers, documents, records and other materials and supplies required by such election laws. The secretary of state shall develop and provide to each county clerk instructions and standards for the verification, acceptance, and rejection of elector signatures for any process requiring signature verification. The secretary of state shall prescribe a form for voter registration cards based on the voter registration laws and, from time to time, shall cause to be prepared and distributed to each county clerk such written corrections of such directives and instructions and of the form for registration cards as are necessary to maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of and to reflect changes in the election laws. Each county clerk affected thereby shall comply with such directives and instruction, and corrections thereof, and shall provide voter registration cards prepared in accordance with the prescribed form.
[34-202, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 18, p. 351; am. 2021, ch. 262, sec. 1, p. 807.]
In carrying out his responsibility under section 17, the secretary of state shall assist and advise each county clerk with regard to the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws as they apply to elections, registration of electors and voting procedures which by laws are under the direction and control of the county clerk.
[34-203, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 19, p. 351.]
In carrying out his responsibility under section 34-201, Idaho Code, the secretary of state shall cause to be organized and conducted at convenient places and times in this state at least three (3) conferences on the administration of the election laws. The secretary of state shall cause written notice of the place and time of each conference to be given to each county clerk. Each county clerk or his designated deputy shall attend at least one (1) of the conferences and shall comply with the instructions given under the authority of the secretary of state at each conference such county clerk attends.
[34-204, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 20, p. 351; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 3, p. 1168.]
The secretary of state shall:
(1) Prepare and cause to be printed, in appropriate and convenient form, periodic compilations and digests of the election laws.
(2) Distribute in appropriate quantities to the county clerks for use by such county clerks and by election boards, copies of such compilations and digests and the sample form of such supplies and materials necessary to conduct elections as the secretary of state considers appropriate, including poll books, tally sheets, return sheets and abstract of vote sheets.
(3) Make such compilations and digests available for distribution, free or at cost, to interested persons.
[34-205, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 21, p. 351.]
Subject to and in accordance with the directives and instructions prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state, each county clerk shall exercise general supervision of the administration of the election laws by each local election official in his county for the purpose of achieving and maintaining a maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, efficiency and uniformity in such administration by local election officials. Such directives and instructions shall be directed to and shall be complied with by each local election official affected thereby.
[34-206, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 22, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 69, sec. 1, p. 155.]
In carrying out his exercise of general supervision under section 34-206, each county clerk shall:
(1) Require that each local election official shall use such ballots, papers, documents, records and other materials and supplies as directed by the secretary of state.
(2) Require each local election official in his county to submit reports pertaining to the administration of the election laws by such local election official. Each local election official shall comply with any such requirement.
(3) Inspect and observe the administration of the election laws by any local election official in his county at any time he deems necessary.
(4) Carry on a program of in-service training for local election officials in his county by periodically distributing to them such bulletins, manuals and other informational instructional materials and by establishing and conducting such classes of instruction pertaining to the administration of the election laws by local election officials as the county clerk considers desirable.
[34-208, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 24, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 69, sec. 3, p. 155.]
(1) The county clerk may employ such personnel and procure such equipment, supplies, materials, books, papers, records and facilities of every kind as he considers necessary to facilitate and assist in carrying out his functions in connection with administering the election laws; except that procurement of voting machines or vote tally systems shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of section 34-2405, Idaho Code.
(2) The necessary expenses incurred by the county clerk in administering the election laws, including reasonable rental for polling places, shall be allowed by the board of commissioners and paid out of the county treasury.
(3) The county clerk and his deputies may administer oaths and affirmations in connection with the performance of their functions in administering the election laws.
[34-209, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 25, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 131, sec. 1, p. 260.]
Subject to any applicable election law, the county clerk may devise, prepare and use in his administration of the election laws the ballots, papers, documents, records and other materials and supplies required or permitted by the election laws or otherwise necessary in such administration by such county clerk.
[34-210, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 26, p. 351.]
On the day of any general, special or primary election held throughout the county, the county clerk shall keep his office open for the transaction of business pertaining to the election from the time the polls are opened in the morning continuously until the polls are closed.
[34-211, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 27, p. 351.]
(1) Any person having knowledge of any failure of a county clerk to comply with a lawful directive or instruction prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state may notify the prosecuting attorney of the county. Upon receipt of such notification the prosecuting attorney shall proceed immediately to investigate the alleged failure of the county clerk to comply. Upon the conclusion of the investigation the prosecuting attorney shall advise and direct the county clerk with regard to how he must proceed in connection with the matter. The county clerk shall proceed immediately to comply with the directive of the prosecuting attorney.
(2) If the prosecuting attorney, upon the conclusion of an investigation under subsection (1) of this section, determines that the county clerk has failed to comply with a lawful directive or instruction prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state, and that such failure to comply involves a violation by the county clerk of any statute, the violation of which is punishable by a criminal penalty or forfeiture of office, the prosecuting attorney shall promptly proceed to prosecute such violation by the county clerk.
(3) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy provided by law against a county clerk who fails to comply with a lawful directive or instruction prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state, or who violates any statute.
[34-212, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 28, p. 351.]
(1) Whenever it appears to the secretary of state that a county clerk has failed to comply with a lawful directive or instruction prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state, the secretary of state may apply to the appropriate district court or a judge thereof for a writ of mandamus to compel the county clerk to comply with such directive or instruction. In any such mandamus proceeding it is a defense that the directive or instruction in question is unlawful.
(2) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy provided by law against a county clerk who fails to comply with a lawful directive or instruction prepared and distributed or given under the authority of the secretary of state.
[34-213, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 29, p. 351.]
(1) Whenever it appears to a county clerk that any local election official in his county has failed to comply with any election law or any directive or instruction prepared and issued by the county clerk, the county clerk may issue an order to such local election official. The order shall specify in what manner the local election official has failed to comply, indicate the proper manner of compliance and direct the local election official to so comply with such law or directive or instruction within a designated reasonable time.
(2) If the local election official fails to comply as directed by the order of the county clerk, the county clerk may apply to a judge of the district court for the county in which the county clerk holds office for an order, returnable within five (5) days from the date thereof, to compel the local election official to comply with the order of the county clerk or to show cause why he should not be so compelled. Upon receipt of the application of the county clerk the judge shall issue the appropriate order, which shall be final. The judge shall dispose of the matter as soon as possible and not more than ten (10) days after his order is returned by the local election official.
(3) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy provided by law against the non-complying local election official.
[34-214, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 30, p. 351.]
(1) Any person adversely affected by any act or failure to act by the secretary of state or a county clerk under any election law, or by any order, rule, regulation, directive or instruction made under the authority of the secretary of state or of a county clerk under any election law, may appeal therefrom to the district court for the county in which the act or failure to act occurred or in which the order, rule, regulation, directive or instruction was made or in which such person resides.
(2) Any party to the appeal proceedings in the district court under subsection (1) of this section may appeal from the decision of the district court to the supreme court.
(3) The district courts and supreme court, in their discretion, may give such precedence on their dockets to appeals under this section as the circumstances may require.
(4) The remedy provided in this section is cumulative and does not exclude any other remedy provided by law against any act or failure to act by the secretary of state or a county clerk under any election law or against any order, rule, regulation, directive or instruction made under the authority of the secretary of state or a county clerk under any election law.
[34-215, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 31, p. 351.]
The secretary of state shall promulgate rules in compliance with chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code, establishing a state-based administrative complaint procedure as required by the help America vote act (P.L. 107-252).
[34-216, added 2003, ch. 48, sec. 2, p. 182.]
County election records shall be maintained by the county clerk for the time periods outlined in this section. Records shall be maintained for the period specified beginning with the date the record is created or has become no longer valid, whichever is greater.
(1) The following records shall be retained for not less than five (5) years:
(a) Voter registration cards for electors whose registration has been terminated;
(b) Correspondence relating to an elector’s voter registration;
(c) Combination election record and poll book, including the ballot accounting page;
(d) Declaration of candidacy and petition of candidacy forms filed with the county clerk;
(e) Maps of precinct boundaries with legal descriptions;
(f) List of absentee voters; and
(g) County initiatives and petitions that qualify for placement on the ballot.
(2) The following shall be retained for two (2) years:
(a) Completed absentee ballot request forms;
(b) Tally books;
(c) Voted ballots;
(d) Any ballots that were required to be duplicated before being counted;
(e) Certified lists of candidates or declaration of candidacy forms from special districts used for ballot preparation;
(f) Certified ballot language from special districts for any question placed on the ballot; and
(g) Absentee ballot affidavit envelopes, including the indication of the signature’s acceptance or rejection.
(3) The following shall be maintained for one (1) year:
(a) Notice of election;
(b) Personal identification affidavit;
(c) Ballot tracking logs;
(d) Automated tabulation election logs;
(e) Copy of the election definition and program used in tabulating ballots electronically and in the ballot marking device; and
(f) Record of the number of ballots printed and furnished to each polling place.
(4) Other election supplies, including but not limited to unused ballots, official election ballot identification or official ballot stamps, receipts for supplies, and spoiled ballots, may be disposed of sixty (60) days following the deadline for requesting a recount or filing an election contest pursuant to chapters 20 and 21, title 34, Idaho Code.
[34-217, added 2011, ch. 285, sec. 2, p. 779; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 2, p. 573; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 1, p. 735; am. 2018, ch. 78, sec. 1, p. 177; am. 2021, ch. 262, sec. 2, p. 807.]
Elections held in this state must be funded only by lawful appropriations from the government of the United States, the state of Idaho, or other local governments, including counties, cities, and special taxing districts. No official or employee of the state of Idaho, county clerk, local elections office, or other local governing body administering or conducting an election may accept or expend moneys in any amount or accept any items or goods with a total value in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) from any private persons, corporations, organizations, business entities, political parties, or any other private entity. This section does not apply to the collection of fees authorized by law or to the donation of a facility or space for the use of election officials in holding an election.
[34-218, added 2021, ch. 275, sec. 1, p. 827; am. 2023, ch. 20, sec. 1, p. 130.]
(1) Upon the request of a registered voter, the secretary of state or a county clerk shall investigate the legal qualifications of a candidate for office and shall exclude from the ballot a candidate who fails to satisfy the legal qualifications for the office being sought. A person excluded from the ballot pursuant to this subsection may challenge such exclusion in the district court in which the person’s residence for voting purposes is located.
(2) The secretary of state or a county clerk may establish a deadline by which a request made pursuant to subsection (1) of this section must be filed, which deadline shall not be earlier than fourteen (14) days following the deadline to file a declaration of candidacy pursuant to section 34-704, Idaho Code.
(3) Upon the request of the secretary of state or a county clerk, the state or a political subdivision shall provide information within the state’s or the political subdivision’s possession that is needed to ascertain the legal qualifications of a candidate for office.
[34-219, added 2022, ch. 81, sec. 2, p. 230.]
(1) If the vote count in an election has been completed and it appears to the secretary of state or a county clerk that an error has occurred in the administration of such election that may be sufficient to change the result of the election, then the secretary of state or clerk of the county in which such error appears to have occurred may petition the district court of the county in which the error appears to have occurred for judicial review of the election. The petition shall be filed within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of the election.
(2) The secretary of state or the county clerk initiating a petition under this section shall serve notice of the petition on:
(a) Any candidate appearing on the ballot in such election; and
(b) Any taxing district or other party responsible for placing an initiative, a referendum, or another question on the ballot in such election.
(3) The district court may:
(a) Give such precedence on its docket to a petition under this section as the circumstances may require; and
(b) Consider any evidence related to the error alleged in the petition.
(4) The scope of the district court’s review shall be limited to whether the error alleged in the petition occurred and, if so, whether the error was sufficient to change the result of the election. If the court determines that the error was sufficient to change the result of the election, then the court shall declare the election void and order a new election to be held at the expense of the agency where the error occurred. The new election shall be held as soon as practicable and need not occur on a date provided in section 34-106, Idaho Code.
(5) Court proceedings held pursuant to this section shall be conducted according to the Idaho rules of civil procedure, as applicable, and any other rules deemed pertinent by the district court.
[(34-220) 34-219, added 2022, ch. 73, sec. 1, p. 212; am. and redesig. 2023, ch. 218, sec. 8, p. 612.]
(1) The board of county commissioners in each county shall establish a convenient number of election precincts therein. The board of county commissioners may establish an absentee voting precinct for each legislative district within the county. The boundaries of such absentee precincts shall be the same as those of the legislative districts for which they were established. The board shall have the authority to create new or consolidate established precincts only within the boundaries of legislative districts. No county shall have less than two (2) precincts. This board action shall be done no later than January 15 in a general election year. The January 15 deadline shall be waived during a general election year in which a legislative or court-ordered redistricting plan is adopted. In such cases, any precinct boundary adjustments shall be accomplished by the county commissioners as soon as is practicable.
(2) The county clerk of each county shall provide, and the secretary of state shall maintain in his office, a current and accurate report of the following:
(a) A list of all precincts within the county;
(b) A map and description of all precincts within the county;
(c) A count of voters registered for the latest general election, by precinct; and
(d) A count of votes cast at the latest general election, by precinct.
[34-301, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 32, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 210, sec. 1, p. 919; am. 1972, ch. 141, sec. 1, p. 308; am. 1973, ch. 177, sec. 1, p. 393; am. 1974, ch. 212, sec. 1, p. 1557; am. 1976, ch. 73, sec. 1, p. 242; am. 1977, ch. 8, sec. 3, p. 17; am. 1992, ch. 152, sec. 1, p. 458; am. 2009, ch. 52, sec. 13, p. 145; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 1, p. 344.]
(1) The board shall, by the fifth Friday before any election, designate a suitable polling place for each election precinct. Insofar as possible, the board shall designate the same polling place for the general election that it designated for the primary election. The physical arrangements of the polling place shall be sufficient to guarantee all voters the right to cast a secret ballot. Public school facilities shall be made available to the board as precinct polling places. All polling places designated as provided herein shall conform to the accessibility standards adopted by the secretary of state pursuant to the voting accessibility for the elderly and handicapped act, 52 U.S.C. 20101 et seq. The expense of providing such polling places shall be a public charge and paid out of the county treasury.
(2) An owner of a property who either directly or indirectly invites or permits without charge any person to use such property as a polling place owes no duty of care to keep the property safe for entry by others for polling purposes or to give any warning of a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity on such land to persons entering for polling purposes. The installation of a sign or other form of warning of a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity; any modification made for the purpose of improving the safety of others; or the failure to maintain or keep in place any sign, other form of warning, or modification made to improve safety shall not create liability on the part of an owner of property where there is no other basis for such liability. Additionally, such owner of a property does not, by permitting such use as a polling place:
(a) Extend any assurance that the property is safe for any purpose;
(b) Confer on any person entering on such owner’s property the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or
(c) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by an act or omission of any person entering on such owner’s property.
[34-302, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 33, p. 351; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 2, p. 646; am. 1978, ch. 38, sec. 1, p. 67; am. 1985, ch. 115, sec. 2, p. 238; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 2, p. 345; am. 2019, ch. 283, sec. 1, p. 824; am. 2026, ch. 288, sec. 1, p. 1205.]
(1) The county clerk shall appoint two (2) or more election judges, one (1) of whom shall be designated chief judge, and the number of clerks deemed necessary by him for each polling place. In the event a single polling place is designated for two (2) or more precincts, an individual may serve simultaneously on the election board for two (2) or more precincts thus served by a single polling place. The precinct committeemen shall recommend persons for the position in their respective precincts to the county clerk in writing by the fifth Friday prior to the primary election and the county clerk shall appoint the judges from such lists if the persons recommended are qualified.
(2) The chief election judge shall be responsible for the conduct of the proceedings in the polling place. Compensation for all election personnel shall be determined by the board of county commissioners at no less than the minimum wage as prescribed by the laws of the state of Idaho, except for personnel volunteering for election service pursuant to section 2-212, Idaho Code.
(3) Each election board shall contain personnel representing all existing political parties if a list of applicants has been provided to the county clerk by the precinct committeemen of the precincts by the prescribed deadline.
(4) In order to provide for a greater awareness of the election process, the rights and responsibilities of voters and the importance of participating in the electoral process, as well as to provide additional members of precinct boards, a county clerk may appoint not more than two (2) students per precinct to serve under the direct supervision of election board members designated by the county clerk. A student may be appointed, notwithstanding lack of eligibility to vote, if the student possesses the following qualifications:
(a) Is at least sixteen (16) years of age at the time of the election for which he or she is serving as a member of an election board; and
(b) Is a citizen of the United States.
[34-303, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 34, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 210, sec. 2, p. 919; am. 1977, ch. 8, sec. 4, p. 17; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 3, p. 182; am. 2004, ch. 113, sec. 1, p. 386; am. 2018, ch. 154, sec. 1, p. 311; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 3, p. 345; am. 2026, ch. 59, sec. 3, p. 255.]
The county clerk shall, upon receipt of a written request, such request to be received no later than twelve (12) days prior to the day of election, direct that the election judges permit one (1) person authorized by each political party, if the election is a partisan election, to be at the polling place for the purpose of challenging voters, and shall, if requested, permit any one (1) person authorized by a candidate, several candidates or political party, to be present to serve as a watcher to observe the conduct of the election. Such authorization shall be evidenced by a writing signed by the county chairman and secretary of the political party, if the election is a partisan election, or by the candidate or candidates, and filed with the county clerk. Where the issue before the electors is other than the election of officers, the clerk shall, upon receipt of a written request, such request to be received no later than twelve (12) days prior to the date of voting on the issue or issues, direct that the election judges permit one (1) pro and one (1) con person to be at the polling place for the purpose of challenging voters and to observe the conduct of the election. Such authorization shall be evidenced in writing signed by the requesting person and shall state which position relative to the issue or issues the person represents. Persons who are authorized to serve as challengers or watchers shall wear a visible name tag which includes their respective titles. A watcher is entitled to observe any activity conducted at the location at which the watcher is serving, provided however, that the watcher does not interfere with the orderly conduct of the election. If the watchers are present at the polling place when ballots are counted they shall not absent themselves until the polls are closed. A watcher serving at a central counting station may be present at any time the station is open for the purpose of processing or preparing to process election results and until the election officers complete their duties at the station. If the county clerk does not receive the list of names of those desired to be present for the purpose of either poll watching or challenging within the time prescribed above, the clerk shall not allow the presence of such persons later seeking to serve in those capacities.
[34-304, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 35, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 141, sec. 2, p. 308; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 3, p. 646; am. 2006, ch. 70, sec. 1, p. 214; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 56, p. 1031.]
The county clerk is the chief elections officer of his county and it is his responsibility to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws. The county clerk shall comply with the lawful directives and instructions given him by the secretary of state.
[I.C., sec. 34-305, as added by 1971, ch. 210, sec. 3, p. 919.]
(1) Precinct boundaries shall follow visible, easily recognizable physical features on the ground including, but not limited to, streets, railroad tracks, roads, streams and lakes. The exception shall be when a precinct boundary coincides with a city, county, Indian reservation or school district boundary which does not follow a visible feature.
(2) In order to achieve compliance with the requirements of this section, and simultaneously maintain legislative district boundaries which may not follow visible features, a county may designate subprecincts within precincts, the internal boundaries of which do not follow visible features.
[34-306, added 1977, ch. 8, sec. 2, p. 16; am. 1989, ch. 261, sec. 1, p. 639; am. 1992, ch. 284, sec. 1, p. 876.]
From January 15 in any year ending in 8 through September 15 in any year ending in 1, the board of county commissioners shall make no changes in precinct boundaries, except that a single precinct may be divided into two (2) or more new precincts wholly contained within the original precinct.
[34-307, added 1998, ch. 276, sec. 1, p. 907.]
(1) A precinct within the county that contains no more than one hundred forty (140) registered electors at the last general election may be designated by the board of county commissioners as a mail ballot precinct no later than April 1 in an even-numbered year. Such a designation shall apply thereafter to all elections conducted within the precinct until revoked by the board of county commissioners or until the precinct contains one hundred fifty-one (151) registered electors at the last general election. Having designated a mail ballot precinct, there shall be no voting place established within the precinct. Elections in a mail ballot precinct shall be conducted in a manner consistent with absentee voting with the special provisions provided in this section.
(2) The clerk shall issue a ballot, by mail, to every registered voter in a mail ballot precinct and shall affix postage to the return envelope sufficient to return the ballot.
(3) The ballot shall be mailed no sooner than forty-five (45) days prior to the election day and no later than the eleventh day prior to the election.
(4) The clerk shall make necessary provisions to segregate mail ballot precinct ballots by precinct and, for all purposes of the election, the precinct integrity shall be maintained.
(5) The clerk shall make registration available in the office of the clerk on election day for any individual who is eligible to vote and who resides in a mail ballot precinct and has not previously registered. The clerk shall provide an official polling place in the office of the clerk, and a qualified elector who registers on election day and resides in a mail ballot precinct shall be allowed to vote at the office of the clerk.
(6)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, electors who have designated a political party affiliation pursuant to section 34-404, Idaho Code, shall receive the primary election ballot for that party pursuant to sections 34-904 and 34-904A, Idaho Code.
(b) Electors who have designated a political party affiliation pursuant to section 34-404, Idaho Code, may receive the primary election ballot of a political party other than the political party such elector is affiliated with if such other political party has provided notification to the secretary of state that identifies the political party such elector is affiliated with, as provided for in section 34-904A(2)(b), Idaho Code.
(7) For "unaffiliated" electors, in order to receive a political party’s primary election ballot pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, the county clerk shall mail a ballot request form for the primary election ballot to the electors in a mail ballot precinct for the electors to use in selecting the party ballot they choose to receive.
(a) In the event that more than one (1) political party allows electors designated as "unaffiliated" to vote in their party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, an elector designated as "unaffiliated" shall indicate on the form such elector’s choice of the political party’s primary election ballot in order to vote in that party’s primary election.
(b) In the event no more than one (1) political party allows electors designated as "unaffiliated" to vote in their party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, an elector designated as "unaffiliated" shall indicate on the form that political party’s primary election ballot in order to vote in that political party’s primary election.
(c) If an elector designated as "unaffiliated" is not permitted to vote in a political party’s primary election as provided for in section 34-904A, Idaho Code, such elector shall receive a nonpartisan ballot.
(d) If an elector designated as "unaffiliated" does not indicate on the form a choice of political party’s primary election ballot, such elector shall receive a nonpartisan ballot.
[34-308, added 2004, ch. 165, sec. 1, p. 541; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 2, p. 929; am. 2019, ch. 97, sec. 1, p. 355; am. 2026, ch. 286, sec. 2, p. 1202.]
Electors are privileged from arrest, except for treason, a felony or breach of the peace, during their attendance at a polling place.
[34-401, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 36, p. 351.]
Every male or female citizen of the United States, eighteen (18) years old, who has resided in this state and in the county for thirty (30) days where he or she offers to vote prior to the day of election, if registered within the time period provided by law, is a qualified elector.
[34-402, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 37, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 192, sec. 1, p. 874; am. 1972, ch. 392, sec. 1, p. 1131; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 4, p. 646; am. 1982, ch. 253, sec. 2, p. 646.]
No elector shall be permitted to vote if he is disqualified as provided in article 6, sections 2 and 3 of the state constitution.
[34-403, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 38, p. 351.]
(1) All electors must register before being able to vote at any primary, general, special, school or any other election governed by the provisions of title 34, Idaho Code. Registration of a qualified person occurs when a legible, accurate and complete registration application and proof of identity and residence are received in the office of the county clerk or at the polls pursuant to section 34-408(3), 34-408A, or 34-1012, Idaho Code.
(2) Each elector may select on the registration application an affiliation with a political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code, or may select to be designated as unaffiliated. The county clerk shall record the party affiliation or unaffiliated designation so selected as part of the elector’s registration record. If an elector shall fail or refuse to make such a selection, the county clerk shall enter on the registration records that such elector is unaffiliated.
(3) In order to provide an elector with the appropriate primary election ballot, pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, the poll book for primary elections shall include the party affiliation or designation as unaffiliated for each elector so registered. An unaffiliated elector shall declare to the poll worker which primary election ballot the elector chooses to vote in, pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, and the poll worker or other authorized election personnel shall record such declaration in the poll book. The poll book shall contain checkoff boxes to allow the poll worker or other authorized election personnel to record such unaffiliated elector’s selection.
[34-404, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 39, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 192, sec. 2, p. 874; am. 1972, ch. 197, sec. 1, p. 498; am. 1987, ch. 256, sec. 2, p. 520; am. 1997, ch. 356, sec. 1, p. 1051; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 3, p. 931; am. 2016, ch. 359, sec. 3, p. 1054; am. 2023, ch. 293, sec. 1, p. 887.]
For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence by reason of his absence while employed in the service of this state or the United States, while a student of any institution of learning, while kept at any state institution at public expense, nor absent from the state with the intent to have this state remain his residence. If a person is absent from this state but intends to maintain his residence for voting purposes here, he shall not register to vote in any other state during his absence.
[34-405, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 40, p. 351.]
(1) The county clerk shall provide for voter registration in the clerk’s office and may appoint registrars to assist in voter registration throughout the county.
(2) The county clerk shall provide all political parties within the county with a supply of the registration form prescribed in section 34-411, Idaho Code.
[34-406, added 1994, ch. 67, sec. 3, p. 138; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 4, p. 931.]
(1) Any county clerk or official registrar shall register without charge any elector who personally appears in the office of the county clerk or before the official registrar, as the case may be, and requests to be registered.
(2) Upon receipt of a written application to the county clerk from any elector who, by reason of illness or physical incapacity is prevented from personally appearing in the office of the county clerk or before an official registrar, the county clerk or an official registrar so directed by the county clerk shall register such elector at the place of abode of the elector.
[34-407, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 42, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 192, sec. 4, p. 874; am. 1991, ch. 337, sec. 1, p. 874; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 2, p. 748.]
(1) No elector may register in the office of the county clerk after 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day before any election held throughout the county in which he resides for the purpose of voting at such election; provided however, a legible, accurate and complete registration application received in the office of the county clerk during the eleven (11) day period preceding an election shall be accepted and held by the county clerk until the day following the election when registration reopens, at which time the registration shall become effective. This deadline shall also apply to any registrars the county clerk may have appointed.
(2) Any elector who will complete his residence requirement or attain the requisite voting age during the period when the register of electors is closed may register prior to the closing of the register.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, an individual who is eligible to vote may also register, upon completing a registration application and showing proof of identity and residence pursuant to section 34-411, Idaho Code, at the absent electors’ polling place provided in section 34-1006, Idaho Code, or at an early voting station provided in section 34-1012, Idaho Code.
[34-408, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 43, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 192, sec. 5, p. 874; am. 1974, ch. 172, sec. 1, p. 1431; am. 1981, ch. 105, sec. 1, p. 159; am. 1994, ch. 67, sec. 4, p. 138; am. 2001, ch. 99, sec. 1, p. 248; am. 2005, ch. 127, sec. 1, p. 412; am. 2016, ch. 359, sec. 4, p. 1055; am. 2023, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 887; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 6, p. 603.]
(1) An individual who is eligible to vote may register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the individual maintains residence, completing a registration application, showing proof of identity and residence pursuant to section 34-411, Idaho Code, and making an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state.
(2) Election day registration provided in this section shall apply to all elections conducted under title 34, Idaho Code, and to school district and municipal elections.
[34-408A, added 1994, ch. 67, sec. 5, p. 138; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 3, p. 749; am. 1997, ch. 356, sec. 2, p. 1052; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 3, p. 779; am. 2016, ch. 359, sec. 5, p. 1055; am. 2023, ch. 293, sec. 3, p. 888.]
(1) The office of the secretary of state may create and maintain an electronic system for voter registration that is publicly available on its official website. Any qualified elector who has a current valid driver’s license or identification card issued pursuant to title 49, Idaho Code, that reflects the person’s current principal place of residence, may register to vote by submitting a completed voter registration application electronically through such website. Electronic voter registration applications shall be submitted before the close of registration as provided in section 34-408, Idaho Code.
(2) The electronic voter registration application shall be in a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall:
(a) Require the information under oath or affirmation set forth in section 34-411, Idaho Code;
(b) Include notice of the requirement to provide personal identification before voting at the polls as set forth in sections 34-1113 and 34-1114, Idaho Code; and
(c) Require an electronic signature of the applicant.
(3) The office of the secretary of state shall obtain a digital copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card signature from the Idaho transportation department. The Idaho transportation department shall, upon request of the office of the secretary of state, provide a digital copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card signature.
(4) Upon receipt of a completed voter registration application and a digital copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card signature from the Idaho transportation department, the office of the secretary of state shall send the information to the county clerk for the county in which the applicant resides. The county clerk shall prepare and issue to each elector registering electronically a verification of registration containing the name and residence of the elector and the name or number of the precinct in which the elector resides. Such verification of registration may be sent by nonforwardable first-class mail or by electronic mail at the elector’s option. If a verification is returned undeliverable, then the county clerk shall remove the elector from the register of electors.
(5) An applicant using the electronic system for voter registration pursuant to this section shall not be required to complete a printed registration card.
(6) The office of the secretary of state shall use such security measures necessary to ensure the accuracy and integrity of an electronically submitted voter registration application.
[34-409, added 2016, ch. 359, sec. 1, p. 1052.]
(1) Any elector may register by mail for any election. Any mail registration application must be received by the county clerk prior to the close of registration as provided in section 34-408, Idaho Code.
(2) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for the mail registration application.
(3) The mail application form shall be available for distribution through governmental and private entities, with particular emphasis on making them available for organized voter registration programs.
(4) Any federal mail registration form adopted pursuant to the provisions of the national voter registration act of 1993, P.L. 103-31, shall also be accepted as a valid registration if it is received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day before the election.
(5) The county clerk shall prepare and issue by first class nonforwardable mail to each elector registering by mail a verification of registration containing the name and residence of the elector and the name or number of the precinct in which the elector resides. A verification returned undeliverable shall cause the county clerk to remove the elector’s card from the register of electors.
(6) As required by the help America vote act of 2002, P.L. 107-252, a copy of proper identification will be required prior to issuance of a ballot to anyone who has registered by mail and has not previously voted in an election for federal office in the state. Proper identification shall meet the requirements of section 34-411(3) and (4), Idaho Code.
[34-410, added 1994, ch. 67, sec. 7, p. 139; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 4, p. 750; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 4, p. 182; am. 2023, ch. 293, sec. 4, p. 888; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 7, p. 604.]
Whenever provision is made for absentee voting by a statute of the United States, including the "Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act" (42 U.S.C. 1973ff.), an application for an absentee ballot made under that law may be given the same effect as an application for an absentee ballot made under chapter 10, title 34, Idaho Code.
[34-410A, added 1995, ch. 215, sec. 6, p. 750.]
(1) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for the registration application consistent with the provisions of this section. Each elector who requests registration shall show proof of identity and residence in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) of this section and shall supply the following information under oath or affirmation:
(a) Full name and sex;
(b) Residence address or any other necessary information definitely locating the elector’s residence;
(c) Mailing address, if different from residence address;
(d) The period of time preceding the date of registration during which the elector has resided in the state;
(e) Whether or not the elector is a citizen;
(f) That the elector is under no legal disqualifications to vote;
(g) The county and state where the elector was previously registered, if any;
(h) Date of birth; and
(i) Current driver’s license number or identification card issued by the Idaho transportation department. In the absence of an Idaho driver’s license or state issued identification card, the last four (4) digits of the elector’s social security number.
(2) As provided for in section 34-404, Idaho Code, each elector shall select an affiliation with a political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code, or select to be designated as unaffiliated. The selection of party affiliation or designation as unaffiliated shall be maintained within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code. If an elector shall fail or refuse to make such a selection, the county clerk shall record as unaffiliated such elector within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
(3) An individual shall prove identity for the purpose of registering to vote by showing one (1) of the following forms of photo identification:
(a) A current driver’s license or identification card issued pursuant to title 49, Idaho Code;
(b) A current passport or other identification card issued by an agency of the United States government;
(c) A current tribal identification card; or
(d) A current license or enhanced license to carry concealed weapons issued under section 18-3302, Idaho Code, or section 18-3302K, Idaho Code.
(4)(a) An individual shall prove residence for the purpose of registering to vote by showing one (1) of the following documents that displays the applicant’s name and current Idaho physical address:
(i) Any form of photo identification listed in subsection (3)(a), (c), or (d) of this section;
(ii) A current proof of insurance;
(iii) A deed of trust, mortgage, or lease or rental agreement;
(iv) A property tax assessment, bill, or receipt;
(v) A utility bill, excluding a cellular telephone bill;
(vi) A bank or credit card statement;
(vii) A paystub, paycheck, or government-issued check;
(viii) An intake document from a residential care or assisted living facility licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 33, title 39, Idaho Code;
(ix) Enrollment papers issued for the current school year by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education located within the state of Idaho; or
(x) A communication on letterhead from a public or private social service agency registered with the secretary of state verifying the applicant is homeless and attesting to the applicant’s residence for registration purposes.
(b) Any document that displays only a post office box address does not satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
(5)(a) The registration application shall contain the following warning:
WARNING: Any elector who supplies any information, knowing it to be false, is guilty of perjury.
(b) The elector shall read the warning set forth in this subsection and shall sign the elector’s name in an appropriate place on the completed application.
(6) The registration application completed and signed as provided in this section constitutes the official registration application of the elector. The county clerk shall upload such applications to the statewide voter registration database. Such applications shall be considered confidential and unavailable for public inspection and copying except as provided by section 74-106(25), Idaho Code.
(7) Any elector who shall supply any information under subsection (1) of this section, knowing it to be false, is guilty of perjury.
(8) Each elector who requests registration may, at the elector’s option, supply the elector’s telephone number. If the telephone number is supplied by the elector, the telephone number shall be available to the public.
(9) The statewide voter registration database maintained by the office of the secretary of state shall constitute the register of electors.
[34-411, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 46, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 192, sec. 6, p. 874; am. 1972, ch. 392, sec. 4, p. 1131; am. 1988, ch. 233, sec. 1, p. 462; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 7, p. 750; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 5, p. 183; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 5, p. 931; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 3, p. 574; am. 2023, ch. 293, sec. 5, p. 889.]
(1) For a primary election an elector may change such elector’s political party affiliation or become unaffiliated by filing a signed form with the county clerk no later than the last day a candidate may file for partisan political office prior to such primary election, as provided for in section 34-704, Idaho Code. An unaffiliated elector may affiliate with the party of the elector’s choice by filing a signed form up to and including election day. The application form described in section 34-1002, Idaho Code, shall also be used for this purpose.
(2) For a primary election, an unaffiliated elector may select a political party affiliation only prior to voting in the primary election. An elector may make such selection on or before election day by declaring such political party affiliation to the poll worker or other appropriate election personnel. The poll worker or other appropriate election personnel shall then record in the poll book the elector’s choice. After the primary election, the county clerk shall record the party affiliation so recorded in the poll book as part of such elector’s record within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
[34-411A, added 2011, ch. 319, sec. 6, p. 932; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 4, p. 574; am. 2020, ch. 55, sec. 1, p. 136; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 3, p. 576.]
(1) The qualifications of any person who requests to be registered shall be determined in the first instance by the registering official from the evidence before him. If the registering official determines that such person is not qualified, he shall refuse to register the person.
(2) A person refused registration under subsection (1) of this section may make application to the county clerk for a hearing on his qualifications. Not more than ten (10) days after the date he receives such application, the county clerk shall hold a hearing on the qualifications of the applicant and shall notify the applicant of the place and time of such hearing. At such hearing the applicant may present evidence as to his qualifications, provided that no hearing shall be held subsequent to any election which is held within said ten (10) day period. If the county clerk determines that the applicant is qualified, the county clerk shall register the applicant immediately upon the conclusion of the hearing.
[34-412, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 47, p. 351; am. 1982, ch. 216, sec. 1, p. 590; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 8, p. 751.]
An elector who moves to another county within the state or to another state within thirty (30) days prior to any election shall be permitted to vote in the ensuing election by absentee ballot or at the polling place assigned to the elector’s prior address.
[34-413, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 48, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 392, sec. 5, p. 1131; am. 1977, ch. 15, sec. 1, p. 32; am. 1982, ch. 137, sec. 3, p. 389; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 1, p. 590; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 9, p. 751; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 4, p. 346.]
(1) Each week the county clerk shall review the registration cards of all newly registered electors for the past weekly period to determine whether they have been previously registered to vote in another state or in another county within this state. The county clerk or secretary of state, through the statewide voter registration system, shall notify the proper registration official or county clerk where the elector was previously registered so that the prior registration may be canceled. The form of such notice shall be prescribed by the secretary of state.
(2) The secretary of state, in conjunction with the county clerks, shall make an annual report to the legislature regarding voter registration maintenance actions performed by them.
[34-418, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 53, p. 351; am. 2006, ch. 70, sec. 2, p. 215; am. 2022, ch. 172, sec. 1, p. 567.]
The county clerk shall remove from the register of electors the official registration application of any elector who appears by the registration records in the office of the county clerk not to be a citizen of the United States and shall suspend the registration of such elector. The county clerk shall mail a written notice of such removal and suspension to the elector at his residence address indicated on the application. If the elector proves to the county clerk that he is in fact a citizen of the United States, his application shall be replaced in the register and his registration reinstated.
[34-419, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 54, p. 351; am. 2016, ch. 359, sec. 7, p. 1056.]
Except as provided in section 34-435, Idaho Code, or for registering to vote in another jurisdiction, no elector’s registration shall be canceled, nor shall he be deprived of his right to vote at any election by reason of the removal of his official registration application from the register of electors, during any period that he is serving in the armed forces of the United States or of any ally of the United States.
[34-420, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 55, p. 351; am. 1987, ch. 20, sec. 1, p. 27; am. 2016, ch. 359, sec. 8, p. 1056; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 6, p. 346.]
At the time of any election, any registered elector may challenge the entry of an elector’s name as it appears in the election register. Such a challenge will be noted in the remarks column following the elector’s name stating the reason, such as "died," "moved," or "incorrect address." The individual making the challenge shall sign his name following the entry.
[34-431, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 66, p. 351.]
(1) No later than the ninth Friday after each election, the county clerk shall examine the election register and note the challenges as described in section 34-431, Idaho Code. The county clerk shall mail a written inquiry to the challenged elector at his mailing address as indicated on his registration card. Such inquiry shall state the nature of the challenge and provide a suitable form for reply.
(2) Within twenty (20) days from the date of mailing of the written inquiry, the elector may, in person or in writing, state that the information on his registration card is correct. Upon receipt of such a statement or request, the county clerk shall determine whether the information satisfies the challenge. If the county clerk determines that the challenge has not been satisfied, the county clerk shall schedule a hearing on the challenge and shall notify the elector of the place and time of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no later than twenty (20) days after notice is given. At the hearing, the challenged elector may present evidence of qualification. If the county clerk, upon the conclusion of the hearing, determines that the challenged elector’s registration is not valid, the county clerk shall cancel the registration. If a challenged elector fails to make the statement or request in response to the inquiry, the county clerk shall cancel the registration.
(3) The county clerk may make inquiry into the validity of any registration at any time. The inquiry shall proceed as provided in this section.
[34-432, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 67, p. 351; am. 1982, ch. 137, sec. 4, p. 390; am. 1989, ch. 146, sec. 1, p. 353; am. 2006, ch. 70, sec. 3, p. 215; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 7, p. 346.]
(1) In order to maintain the accuracy of voter registration records in Idaho:
(a) The following state entities shall furnish to the secretary of state on or about the twenty-fifth day of each month all data relevant to determining the accuracy of voter registrations as follows:
(i) The department of health and welfare shall furnish a listing showing the legal name, date of birth, county of residence, and residence address of each Idaho resident who has died during the preceding month, and all other data relevant to determining the accuracy of voter registrations, including but not limited to age information, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and citizenship information, including United States customs and immigration services numbers or alien registration numbers if available, of any person included in its records;
(ii) The department of transportation shall furnish a listing showing driver’s license and state identification address changes and new driver’s license and state identification issuances, including photographs and digital signatures, and all other data relevant to determining the accuracy of voter registrations, including but not limited to legal names, dates of birth, age information, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, residence addresses, and citizenship information, including United States customs and immigration services numbers or alien registration numbers if available, of any person included in its records; and
(iii) The department of correction shall furnish a listing showing the legal names, dates of birth, conviction statuses, probation or parole data, former counties of residence, and former residence addresses of all offenders in its custody, in addition to all other data relevant to determining the accuracy of voter registrations, including but not limited to age information, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, residence addresses, and citizenship information, including United States customs and immigration services numbers or alien registration numbers if available, of any person in its custody; and
(b) The secretary of state shall:
(i) Annually, but no later than December 31 of each year, request from the state tax commission a listing showing the legal names, dates of birth, residence addresses, residence changes, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, citizenship statuses, alien registration numbers, and homestead exemption records of any person included in its records. Once requested, the tax commission shall furnish such information no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the request;
(ii) Biannually, but no later than February 1 and July 31 of each year, request from the federal government any data available and relevant to assist in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of Idaho’s voter registration information. Such data requested may include but shall not be limited to legal names, dates of birth, residence addresses, residence changes, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, citizenship statuses and verifications, death records, United States customs and immigration services numbers, alien registration numbers, and all available information contained in the systematic alien verification for entitlements database administered by the United States department of homeland security and criminal conviction records;
(iii) On a monthly basis, request from the United States social security administration any data relevant to assist in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of voter registration information, including but not limited to data available from the help America vote verification information system maintained by the social security administration;
(iv) At any time and at the discretion of the secretary of state, request from the federal government, including but not limited to the United States department of homeland security, the offices of the United States attorneys, the social security administration, and United States postal service, any data available and relevant that would assist in ensuring the integrity of Idaho’s voter registration information, verify voter eligibility, and verify United States citizenship status, including but not limited to dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, addresses, United States customs and immigration services numbers, alien registration numbers, and death records; and
(v) At any time and at the discretion of the secretary of state, request from any entity, including cities, counties, state entities, other states, and third-party data providers any information that would assist in ensuring the integrity of Idaho’s voter registration information, verify voter eligibility, and verify United States citizenship status, including dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, addresses, and death records. Entities located in or subject to the jurisdiction of Idaho subject to the provisions of this subparagraph shall comply within thirty (30) days of the secretary of state’s request.
(2) The secretary of state may enter into cooperative compacts and agreements with other states or groups of states to compare voter lists, to identify individuals who are registered to vote in more than one (1) state, to maintain the accuracy of voter lists, and to determine the current residence of each such individual to verify such individual’s eligibility to remain registered to vote in Idaho. The secretary of state is authorized to contract with commercial data providers, including but not limited to credit agencies and commercial data providers, to assist the secretary of state’s efforts in verifying and auditing information in voter registration lists, including but not limited to citizenship status and residence; provided, however, that the secretary of state shall not disseminate sensitive personal data to commercial data providers and credit agencies in its contracts. All sensitive personal data, such as driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, and dates of birth, shall be protected from public disclosure except as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code.
(3)(a) No later than ninety (90) days before a statewide election, the secretary of state shall review all new voter registration data received since the previous statewide election and verify the accuracy of the new voter registration data by comparing such against the data provided by the systematic alien verification for entitlements program operated by the United States department of homeland security.
(b) After completing any comparisons of the information provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the secretary of state shall sort all statewide voter registration information by county and furnish a copy of the same to each county clerk along with all relevant information concerning voter eligibility of individuals in each county. Each county clerk shall immediately review the information and initiate cancellations of all registrations of individuals reported as deceased or determined to be ineligible to vote.
(c) The secretary of state and county clerks shall conduct routine reviews of the voter registration records within the statewide voter registration system to identify any anomalies, such as duplicate registrations, registrations at business addresses, large numbers of registrations at a single address, and correct districting information.
(4) The secretary of state shall, in conjunction with the county clerks, make an annual report to the legislature regarding voter registration maintenance actions performed by them, and provide recommendations to the legislature to improve and ensure an effective list maintenance process.
(5) The secretary of state shall process voter registration data in a secured cloud system using cryptography standards consistent with federal regulations. Voter registration verification requests pursuant to this section approved by the secretary of state shall be processed on a dedicated secured system where all access and activity are logged. Data received and processed by the secretary of state and used for verification purposes pursuant to this section shall be retained for thirty (30) days or until properly processed pursuant to the provisions of this section.
[34-433, added 2025, ch. 276, sec. 3, p. 1170.]
Copies of all notices and other correspondence issued pursuant to the directives contained in sections 67 and 68 of this act [34-432, 34-433, Idaho Code,] shall be retained by the county clerk for a period of two (2) years from date of mailing.
[34-434, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 69, p. 351.]
Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the date of the general election, the county clerk shall examine the election register and the signed statements of challenge made at that election. After this examination, the county clerk shall immediately cancel the registration of any elector who did not vote at any election in the past four (4) years.
This section shall be construed as to provide for a uniform four (4) year registration period for all electors.
[34-435, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 70, p. 351; am. 1975, ch. 124, sec. 1, p. 257; am. 1977, ch. 15, sec. 3, p. 33; am. 1978, ch. 27, sec. 1, p. 53; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 11, p. 752; am. 2015, ch. 282, sec. 2, p. 1147.]
All correspondence relating to the cancellation of an elector’s registration shall be preserved by the county clerk for a period of two (2) years following the time of any general election.
[34-436, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 71, p. 351.]
(1) Each of the county clerks, upon receiving a request shall supply to any individual, a current list of the registered electors of the county and their addresses, arranged in groups according to election precincts. The county clerks shall prepare an original of the above list from the state voter registration system at county expense. Any person desiring a copy of the original list shall be furnished the same, and the county clerk shall assess the individual an amount which will compensate the county for the cost of reproducing such copy.
(2) No person to whom a list of registered electors is made available or supplied under subsection (1) of this section and no person who acquires a list of registered electors prepared from such list shall use any information contained therein for the purpose of mailing or delivering any advertisement or offer for any property, establishment, organization, product, or service or for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value. Provided however, that any such list and label may be used for any political purpose.
[34-437, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 72, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 392, sec. 8, p. 1131; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 5, p. 646; am. 1976, ch. 344, sec. 1, p. 1147; am. 1982, ch. 137, sec. 5, p. 390; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 7, p. 184.]
(1) The secretary of state, in conjunction with county clerks, shall develop and implement a single, uniform official, centralized, interactive, computerized statewide voter registration system as required by the help America vote act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252).
(2) The statewide system shall contain the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in the state and assign a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in the state, and include the following:
(a) The computerized list shall serve as the single system for storing and managing the official list of registered voters throughout the state.
(b) The computerized list shall contain the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in the state.
(c) Under the computerized list, a unique identifier shall be assigned to each legally registered voter in the state.
(d) The computerized list shall be coordinated with other agency databases within the state.
(e) Any election official in the state, including any local election official, may obtain immediate electronic access to the information contained in the computerized list.
(f) All voter registration information obtained by any local election official in the state shall be electronically entered into the computerized list on an expedited basis at the time the information is provided to the local official.
(g) The secretary of state shall provide such support as may be required so that local election officials are able to enter information as described in subsection (2)(f) of this section.
(h) The computerized list shall serve as the official voter registration list for the conduct of all elections for federal office in the state.
(3) Any person desiring a copy of the statewide list of registered electors shall be furnished the same, and the secretary of state shall assess the individual an amount which will compensate the state for the cost of reproducing such copy.
No person to whom a list of statewide electors is furnished and no person who acquires a list of statewide electors prepared from such list shall use any information contained therein for the purpose of mailing or delivering any advertisement or offer for any property, establishment, organization, product, or service or for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value. Provided however, that any such list and label may be used for any political purpose.
[34-437A, added 1976, ch. 344, sec. 2, p. 1148; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 8, p. 184.]
Each of the county clerks, upon receiving a request therefor, not later than the thirtieth day prior to a school election, shall, not later than the seventh day prior to the election, supply to a requesting school board a list of registered electors, that are within the school district within which a school district election is to be held. The county clerk may assess the school board an amount which will compensate the county for the cost of preparing such a list.
[34-437B, added 1987, ch. 256, sec. 3, p. 520; am. 1988, ch. 71, sec. 1, p. 102; am. 2006, ch. 70, sec. 4, p. 215.]
(1) A "political party" within the meaning of this act, is an organization of electors under a given name. A political party shall be deemed created and qualified to participate in elections in any of the following three (3) ways:
(a) By having three (3) or more candidates for state or national office listed under the party name at the last general election, provided that those individuals seeking the office of president, vice president and president elector shall be considered one candidate, or
(b) By polling at the last general election for any one of its candidates for state or national office at least three per cent (3%) of the aggregate vote cast for governor or for presidential electors.
(c) By an affiliation of electors who shall have signed a petition which shall:
(A) State the name of the proposed party in not more than six (6) words;
(B) State that the subscribers thereto desire to place the proposed party on the ballot;
(C) Have attached thereto a sheet or sheets containing the signatures of at least a number of qualified electors equal to two per cent (2%) of the aggregate vote cast for presidential electors in the state at the previous general election at which presidential electors were chosen;
(D) Be filed with the secretary of state on or before August 30 of even numbered years;
(E) The format of the signature petition sheets shall be prescribed by the secretary of state and shall be patterned after, but not limited to, such sheets as used for state initiative and referendum measures;
(F) The petitions and signatures so submitted shall be verified in the manner prescribed in section 34-1807, Idaho Code.
(G) The petition shall be circulated no earlier than August 30 of the year preceding the general election.
(2) Upon certification by the secretary of state that the petition has met the requirements of this act such party shall, under the party name chosen, have all the rights of a political party whose ticket shall have been on the ballot at the preceding general election.
The newly certified party shall proceed to hold a state convention in the manner provided by law; provided, that at the initial convention of any such political party, all members of the party shall be entitled to attend the convention and participate in the election of officers and the nominations of candidates. Thereafter the conduct of any subsequent convention shall be as provided by law.
[34-501, added 1978, ch. 256, sec. 2, p. 560; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 1, p. 88; am. 1987, ch. 262, sec. 1, p. 554.]
The county central committee of each political party in each county shall consist of the precinct committeemen representing the precincts within the county and the county chairman elected by the precinct committeemen. The precinct committeemen within each county shall meet at the county seat within ten (10) days after the primary election and at the time and date designated by the incumbent county chairman, and shall organize by electing a chairman, vice chairman, a secretary, a state committeeman, a state committeewoman, and such other officers as they may desire who shall hold office at the pleasure of the county central committee or until their successors are elected.
Unless state party rules, adopted as provided in section 34-505, Idaho Code, provide otherwise, when a vacancy exists in the office of county central committee chairman, it shall be the duty of the state central committee chairman to call a meeting of the precinct committeemen of the county, and the precinct committeemen shall proceed to elect a chairman of the county central committee for the balance of the unexpired term.
The county central committee shall fill by appointment all vacancies that occur or exist in the office of precinct committeeman who shall be a qualified elector of the precinct.
The county clerk shall deliver in writing to the chairman of the county central committee of each political party on or before January 20 of each year in which a general election is to be held, a list of the election precincts in the county and the names and addresses of the precinct committeemen who were elected at the last primary election, or who have since been appointed as precinct committeemen, as such election or appointment is shown on the records of the county clerk. If the county clerk has no record of precinct committeemen, he shall in writing, so inform the chairman of the county central committee.
The chairman of the county central committee shall on or before February 1 of each year in which a general election is to be held, and at such other times as changes occur, certify to the county clerk the names and addresses of the precinct committeemen of his political party.
[34-502, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 75, p. 351; am. 1975, ch. 21, sec. 2, p. 30; am. 1976, ch. 351, sec. 1, p. 1160; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 4, p. 780.]
The legislative district central committee of each political party in each legislative district shall consist of the precinct committeemen representing the precincts within the legislative district, and the legislative district chairman elected by the precinct committeemen. The precinct committeemen within each legislative district shall meet within the legislative district or at a convenient location in a legislative district contiguous to the legislative district, or at a convenient location in a county in which any portion of the legislative district sits, within eleven (11) days after the primary election, the meeting time and place to be designated by the incumbent legislative district chairman. At this meeting the precinct committeemen shall organize by electing a chairman, vice chairman, a secretary and such other officers as they may desire, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the legislative district central committee or until their successors are elected.
Unless state party rules, adopted as provided in section 34-506, Idaho Code, provide otherwise, when a vacancy exists in the office of legislative district central committee chairman, it shall be the duty of the state central committee chairman to call a meeting of the precinct committeemen of the legislative district, and the precinct committeemen shall proceed to elect a chairman of the legislative district central committee for the balance of the unexpired term.
[34-503, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 76, p. 351; am. 1976, ch. 351, sec. 2, p. 1161; am. 2006, ch. 397, sec. 1, p. 1222.]
The state central committee of each political party shall consist of all legislative district chairmen, all county central committee chairmen, all state committeemen, and state committeewomen selected by the county central committees. Each of the above members of the state central committee shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of the state central committee.
[34-504, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 77, p. 351.]
The county central committee shall have all the powers and duties prescribed by state law and rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the state conventions or the state central committee.
[34-505, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 78, p. 351.]
The legislative district central committee shall have all the powers and duties prescribed by state law and rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the state conventions or the state central committee.
[34-506, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 79, p. 351.]
The delegates to the state convention of each political party shall be selected in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the state central committee.
[I.C., sec. 34-507, as added by 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 2, p. 20.]
Elections shall be held in this state on the following dates or times:
(1) A primary election shall be held on the third Tuesday in May, 2012, and every two (2) years thereafter on the above-mentioned Tuesday.
(2) A general election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, 2012, and every two (2) years thereafter on the above-mentioned Tuesday.
(3) Special state elections shall be held on the dates ordered by the governor’s proclamation, or as otherwise provided by law.
[34-601, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 81, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 193, sec. 1, p. 879; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 12, p. 469; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 2, p. 834; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 57, p. 1032; am. 2012, ch. 33, sec. 2, p. 103; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 4, p. 1168; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 4, p. 576.]
The several county clerks shall publish at least two (2) times, the notices for any primary, general or special election. The notice shall state the date of the election, the polling place in each precinct and the hours during which the polls shall be open for the purpose of voting, and information about the accessibility of the polling places.
The first notice shall be published at least twelve (12) days prior to any election and the second notice shall be published not later than five (5) days prior to the election. The notice of election shall be published in at least two (2) newspapers published within the county, but if this is not possible, the notice shall be published in one (1) newspaper published within the county or a newspaper which has general circulation within the county.
The second notice of election shall be accompanied by a facsimile, except as to size, of the sample ballot for the election.
[34-602, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 82, p. 351; am. 2004, ch. 112, sec. 1, p. 385; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 58, p. 1032.]
Whenever a proposed constitution, constitutional amendment or other question is to be submitted to the people of the state for popular vote, it shall be certified by the secretary of state to the county clerks not later than September 7 in the year in which it will be voted upon. It shall be published in the form prescribed by the secretary of state.
[34-603, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 83, p. 351; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 6, p. 646; am. 1984, ch. 131, sec. 2, p. 306; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 2, p. 89.]
(1) At the general election, 1972, and every six (6) years thereafter, there shall be elected one (1) United States senator. At the general election, 1974, and every six (6) years thereafter, there shall be elected one (1) United States senator.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of five hundred dollars ($500) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-604, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 84, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 1, p. 68.]
(1) At the general election, 1972, and every alternate year thereafter, there shall be elected in each United States congressional district a member of the United States house of representatives and any additional number of representatives to which the state may be entitled in the state at large.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-605, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 85, p. 351; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 2, p. 591; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 2, p. 68.]
(1) At the general election, 1972, and every four (4) years thereafter, there shall be elected such a number of electors of president and vice president of the United States as the state may be entitled to in the electoral college.
(2) 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.
(3) Such electors shall be certified to the secretary of state as provided for by law.
[34-606, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 86, p. 351.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a governor shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-607, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 87, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 3, p. 68.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, there shall be elected a lieutenant governor.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-608, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 88, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 4, p. 69.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a secretary of state shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-609, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 89, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 5, p. 69.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a state controller shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-610, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 90, p. 351; am. 1994, ch. 181, sec. 1, p. 576; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 6, p. 69.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a state treasurer shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-611, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 91, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 7, p. 70.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, an attorney general shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-612, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 92, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 8, p. 70.]
(1) At the general election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, a superintendent of public instruction shall be elected.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of two hundred dollars ($200) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-613, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 93, p. 351; am. 1974, ch. 182, sec. 1, p. 1478; am. 1994, ch. 277, sec. 1, p. 864; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 9, p. 70.]
(1) At the general election, 1972, and every alternate year thereafter, there shall be elected in each legislative district such representatives and senators as they may be severally entitled.
(2) No person shall be elected to the office of representative or 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.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
Election of state representatives and senators — Qualifications. [effective January 1, 2027]
(1) At the general election, 1972, and every alternate year thereafter, there shall be elected in each legislative district such representatives and senators as they may be severally entitled.
(2) No person shall be elected to the office of representative or 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, has been a registered elector within the legislative district for one (1) year immediately preceding the general election at which he offers his candidacy, and has maintained a fixed habitation within the legislative district boundaries for one (1) year immediately preceding the date such candidate files a declaration of candidacy for the office of representative or senator. For the purposes of this subsection, "fixed habitation" means a residence as defined in section 34-107, Idaho Code, at which the candidate maintains actual physical presence and occupancy for at least one hundred twenty (120) nights during the one (1) year period immediately preceding the date such candidate files a declaration of candidacy for the office of representative or senator. A candidate shall receive an exemption to the fixed habitation requirement due to active military service during the one (1) year period.
(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-614, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 94, p. 351; am. 1981 (E.S.), ch. 2, sec. 1, p. 3; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 10, p. 71; am. 2019, ch. 227, sec. 1, p. 711; am. 2026, ch. 307, sec. 1, p. 1246.]
(1) A candidate for the office of state senator in a multi-member legislative district, and all candidates for the office of representative shall declare, in their declarations of candidacy, the specific seat or position that they seek.
(2) The secretary of state shall designate positions by using the terms "Position A", "Position B", and continuing in such fashion until all seats or positions in each district are properly labeled. The positions in each district shall be separately and distinctly placed on the primary and general election ballots, and for each position to be filled the ballot shall state "Vote for one".
(3) The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for the position he seeks shall be declared nominated, or elected, as the case may be.
[34-614A, added 1984, ch. 121, sec. 2, p. 279.]
(1) At the primary election, 1972, and every alternate year thereafter, subject to the provisions of section 34-1217, Idaho Code, there shall be elected justices of the supreme court to fill any vacancy or vacancies occasioned by the expiration of the term or terms of office of any member or members.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate for election shall file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of three hundred dollars ($300) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
[34-615, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 95, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 46, sec. 1, p. 84; am. 1985, ch. 29, sec. 6, p. 56; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 11, p. 71; am. 2015, ch. 310, sec. 3, p. 1218.]
(1) At the primary election, 1974, and every four (4) years thereafter, subject to the provisions of section 34-1217, Idaho Code, there shall be elected in each judicial district a sufficient number of district judges to fill any vacancy or vacancies occasioned by the expiration of the term or terms of office of any member or members.
(2) 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.
(3) Each candidate for election shall file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) which shall be deposited in the general fund.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
[34-616, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 96, p. 351; am. 1970, ch. 231, sec. 1, p. 643; am. 1972, ch. 46, sec. 2, p. 84; am. 1985, ch. 29, sec. 7, p. 57; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 12, p. 72; am. 2015, ch. 282, sec. 4, p. 1148; am. 2015, ch. 310, sec. 4, p. 1219; am. 2016, ch. 47, sec. 19, p. 112.]
(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.
[34-617, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 97, p. 351; am. 1982, ch. 332, sec. 2, p. 839; am. 1993, ch. 159, sec. 1, p. 409; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 13, p. 72.]
(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.
[34-618, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 98, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 14, p. 72; am. 2008, ch. 329, sec. 1, p. 901.]
(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.
[34-619, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 99, p. 351; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 15, p. 73.]
(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.
[34-620, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 100, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 193, sec. 2, p. 879; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 16, p. 73.]
(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.
[34-621, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 102, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 193, sec. 3, p. 879; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 17, p. 74.]
(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 twenty-one (21) years of age 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, pursuant to section 31-2810, Idaho Code.
[34-622, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 102, p. 351; am. 1994, ch. 54, sec. 5, p. 94; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 18, p. 74; am. 2010, ch. 355, sec. 2, p. 933; am. 2025, ch. 96, sec. 9, p. 515.]
(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.
[34-623, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 103, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 115, sec. 1, p. 230; am. 1984, ch. 80, sec. 1, p. 147; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 19, p. 74.]
(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.
[34-624, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 104, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 29, sec. 1, p. 73; am. 1972, ch. 128, sec. 1, p. 256; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 16, p. 469; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 3, p. 835; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 20, p. 75; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 5, p. 780; am. 2021, ch. 203, sec. 1, p. 554.]
(1) At least sixty (60) days prior to an election at which precinct committeemen are to be elected, the state chairman of any Idaho political party may request the secretary of state to replace, as to that party chairman’s party, the ballot position title of "precinct committeeman" with the ballot position title "precinct committeeman and voters’ delegate to the party’s county and district conventions." The party chairman making such a request to the secretary of state shall include with his request a sworn and acknowledged affidavit stating that he is the party chairman for his political party and that it is the state policy of his party that precinct committeemen be delegates to the party’s county and district conventions.
(2) Upon receipt of such request and affidavit, the secretary of state shall have the duty to implement the request when prescribing the form and content of ballots and related documents and when preparing ballot instructions for Idaho counties.
(3) After the secretary of state has ordered such use, whenever the title "precinct committeeman" or its plural form shall be used in the Idaho Code, the title shall be construed to include within its meaning the title "precinct committeeman and voters’ delegate to the party’s county and district conventions" or its plural form.
[34-624A, added 1976, ch. 346, sec. 1, p. 1153.]
(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 during the time period provided in section 34-1404, Idaho Code. 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.
[34-625, added 1972, ch. 345, sec. 1, p. 1013; am. 1985, ch. 253, sec. 4, p. 701; am. 1987, ch. 75, sec. 1, p. 147; am. 1998, ch. 300, sec. 3, p. 991; am. 2007, ch. 313, sec. 1, p. 884; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 8, p. 604.]
(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 during the time period provided in section 34-1404, Idaho Code. 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, added 1998, ch. 300, sec. 4, p. 991; am. 2007, ch. 313, sec. 2, p. 884; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 9, p. 605.]
In lieu of paying the filing fee, candidates may qualify for the offices mentioned in section 34-604 through section 34-623, Idaho Code, by filing a declaration of candidacy and a nominating petition. The petition shall contain the signatures of qualified electors as follows:
(a) One thousand (1,000) for any statewide office;
(b) Five hundred (500) for any congressional district office (all signatures within proper district);
(c) Two hundred (200) for the office of district judge (all signatures within proper district);
(d) Fifty (50) for any legislative district office (all signatures within proper district);
(e) Five (5) for any county office (county commissioner signatures shall be within commissioner district).
Signatures on such nominating petitions shall be verified in the manner prescribed in section 34-1807, Idaho Code.
[34-626, added 1996, ch. 28, sec. 22, p. 75.]
Whenever any holder of a partisan elective office desires to change political parties, the change shall only be effective if the holder files a declaration of intent to change political parties with the election official with whom the holder of the partisan elective office has filed his declaration of candidacy for the office that the holder of the partisan elective office currently holds. After receiving the declaration of intent, the election official shall send a copy of the declaration to the affected political party central committees of both the political party, if any, that the holder of the partisan elective office desires to leave and the political party, if any, that the holder of the partisan elective office desires to join. A holder of a partisan elective office cannot change political parties between the date the holder of partisan elective office files for the primary election through three (3) months after the general election in which the partisan elective office was on the ballot. A holder of a partisan elective office only may change political parties pursuant to this section once per term. The election official shall be authorized to charge a holder of a partisan elective office desiring to change his political party a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee to defray the election official’s expenses in administering the provisions of this section.
[34-627, added 1997, ch. 202, sec. 1, p. 577; am. 2017, ch. 21, sec. 1, p. 39.]
(1) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for all declarations of candidacy and petitions required to be filed for any office. This form shall be uniform throughout the state; provided, however, that a candidate for judicial office must designate the particular office that he seeks, both in his petitions and declaration of candidacy.
(2) Declarations of candidacy shall include campaign contact information, including phone numbers.
(3) The form described in subsection (1) of this section shall include a sworn verification that the person satisfies the legal qualifications for the office being sought. Any person filing a form described in subsection (1) of this section shall disclose on such form whether the person has claimed an exemption under section 63-602G, Idaho Code, and the address of any homestead for which such exemption is claimed by the person and, if married, the person’s spouse.
(4) All filing fees shall be paid in cash, cashier’s check, postal money orders, credit card, debit card, or personal check. Any transaction cost associated with processing a credit card or debit card payment that is charged to the office receiving a candidate filing fee may be added to said filing fee.
[34-701, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 105, p. 351; am. 1970, ch. 231, sec. 2, p. 643; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 4, p. 591; am. 2022, ch. 10, sec. 1, p. 24; am. 2022, ch. 81, sec. 3, p. 230; am. 2022, ch. 305, sec. 1, p. 964; am. 2023, ch. 218, sec. 9, p. 613.]
(1) In addition to possessing all other qualifications, in order to become a candidate of a political party at the general election, those candidates whose names are written in at the primary election must:
(a) Receive at least the following number of write-in votes at the primary election:
(i) One thousand (1,000) for any statewide office;
(ii) Five hundred (500) for a congressional district office;
(iii) Fifty (50) for a legislative district office; or
(iv) Five (5) for a county office or a single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code; and
(b) File a declaration of intent for that office, pursuant to section 34-702A, Idaho Code.
(2) Candidates who are required to file with the secretary of state shall pay the filing fee required for that office no later than the deadline for filing a declaration of intent pursuant to section 34-702A, Idaho Code, or shall file a petition pursuant to section 34-626, Idaho Code.
(3) No write-ins shall be allowed for judicial office.
[34-702, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 106, p. 351; am. 1970, ch. 231, sec. 3, p. 643; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 1, p. 202; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 23, p. 75; am. 2020, ch. 69, sec. 1, p. 157; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 2, p. 1308.]
(1) No write-in vote for any office in a primary, special, or general election shall be counted unless a completed declaration of intent form has been filed indicating that the person desires the office and is legally qualified to assume the duties of said office if elected.
(2) The declaration of intent for write-in candidates for federal, state, or legislative district offices shall be filed with the secretary of state no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh Friday before the primary election.
(3) The declaration of intent for write-in candidates for county office, single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, or party precinct committeeman office shall be filed with the county clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before the primary election.
(4) For a write-in candidate for president, the declaration shall include a certification of the write-in candidate’s vice presidential and presidential electors, all of whom must be qualified to serve in their respective offices. The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for said declarations.
(5) In those counties that utilize optical scan ballots, an elector shall not place on the ballot a sticker bearing the name of a person or use any other method or device, except writing, to vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot.
[34-702A, added 1983, ch. 213, sec. 5, p. 592; am. 1992, ch. 176, sec. 3, p. 555; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 4, p. 1159; am. 1999, ch. 221, sec. 1, p. 588; am. 2001, ch. 272, sec. 1, p. 994; am. 2010, ch. 162, sec. 1, p. 335; am. 2020, ch. 69, sec. 2, p. 157; am. 2021, ch. 272, sec. 1, p. 823; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 2, p. 992; am. 2023, ch. 249, sec. 1, p. 766; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 10, p. 605; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 3, p. 1309.]
(1) All political party candidates for United States senator and representative in congress and all political party candidates for elective state, district, single countywide highway district pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, and county offices, except candidates for judicial office, at general elections shall be nominated at the primary elections, or shall have their names placed on the general election ballot as provided by law, and shall comply with the provisions of this act.
(2) All candidates for judicial office shall be nominated or elected at the primary election, as provided by section 34-1217, Idaho Code.
(3) Independent candidates shall not be voted on at primary elections.
[34-703, added 1971, ch. 5, sec. 2, p. 11; am. 1972, ch. 46, sec. 3, p. 84; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 2, p. 202; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 4, p. 1309.]
(1) Any person legally qualified to hold such office is entitled to become a candidate and file a declaration of candidacy. All political party candidates shall declare their party affiliation in their declaration of candidacy and shall be affiliated with a party at the time of filing. A candidate shall be deemed affiliated with the political party if the candidate submits a party affiliation form along with the declaration of candidacy to the appropriate filing official. The filing official shall reject any declaration of candidacy for partisan office in a primary election from candidates who are not affiliated with a political party. Candidates for nonpartisan office shall file during the period provided for in this section.
(2) Each political party candidate for federal, state, or legislative district office shall file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state’s office between 8:00 a.m. on the thirteenth Monday before the primary election and 5:00 p.m. on the twelfth Friday before the primary election.
(3) Each political party candidate for county office, single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, or precinct committeeman office shall file a declaration of candidacy with the county clerk’s office between 8:00 a.m. on the twelfth Monday before the primary election and 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Friday before the primary election.
(4) Candidates who file a declaration of candidacy under a party name and are not nominated at the primary election shall not be allowed to appear on the general election ballot under any other political party name or as an independent candidate.
(5) Independent candidates shall file their declaration of candidacy in the manner provided in section 34-708, Idaho Code.
(6) All information in declarations of candidacy shall be made publicly available upon request, except that the Idaho residential street address and telephone number of a judicial officer may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to sections 19-6202 and 74-106(30), Idaho Code.
[34-704, added 1971, ch. 5, sec. 3, p. 11; am. 1971, ch. 188, sec. 1, p. 867; am. 1972, ch. 46, sec. 4, p. 84; am. 1972, ch. 346, sec. 1, p. 1015; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 17, p. 469; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 3, p. 202; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 4, p. 835; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 6, p. 592; am. 1984, ch. 8, sec. 1, p. 12; am. 1984, ch. 173, sec. 3, p. 418; am. 1989, ch. 70, sec. 1, p. 111; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 10, p. 185; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 5, p. 575; am. 2022, ch. 305, sec. 2, p. 965; am. 2023, ch. 179, sec. 2, p. 484; am. 2024, ch. 16, sec. 13, p. 148; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 11, p. 605; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 5, p. 1309.]
(1) All candidates for county offices and single countywide highway district offices pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, whether political party candidates or independent candidates, and all political party candidates for precinct offices shall file their declarations of candidacy with the county clerk of their respective counties. All candidates for district, state and federal offices shall file their declarations of candidacy with the secretary of state.
(2) The secretary of state shall certify to the county clerks, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Friday before the primary election, the names of the political party candidates who filed for federal, state, and legislative district offices and are qualified for placement on the ballot.
(3) The secretary of state shall certify the name of a candidate being appointed by the appropriate central committee pursuant to section 34-714, Idaho Code, by no later than the next business day after the appointment is received in the secretary of state’s office, if received after the certification of candidates to the county clerks under subsection (2) of this section.
[34-705, added 1971, ch. 5, sec. 4, p. 11; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 3, p. 20; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 4, p. 203; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 8, p. 347; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 12, p. 606; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 6, p. 1310.]
Within three (3) days after the deadline for filing declarations of political party candidacy, the county clerk shall notify the county central committee of each political party of the candidates who have filed for county offices, single countywide highway district offices pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, and precinct offices under the party name and are qualified.
Within three (3) days after the deadline for filing declarations of political party candidacy, the secretary of state shall notify the legislative district central committee of each political party of the legislative candidates who have filed under the party name and are qualified.
Within three (3) days after the deadline for filing declarations of political party candidacy, the secretary of state shall notify the state central committee of each political party of the candidates who have filed for federal and state offices under the party name and are qualified.
[34-706, added 1971, ch. 5, sec. 5, p. 11; am. 1971, ch. 188, sec. 2, p. 867; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 4, p. 20; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 5, p. 203; am. 1989, ch. 70, sec. 2, p. 112; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 7, p. 1310.]
A state convention shall be held by each political party in each election year at a time and place determined by the state central committee. The state central committee chairman shall preside and cause notice to be given to each legislative district central committee and each county central committee at the earliest possible date.
Each state convention shall write and adopt rules and regulations governing the conduct of their respective conventions.
At their convention each political party may:
(1) Adopt and write a party platform.
(2) Elect any desired officers not otherwise provided for by law.
(3) In the year of presidential elections (a) elect delegates to the national convention in the manner prescribed by national party rules; (b) elect a national committeeman and a national committeewoman; and (c) select presidential electors.
(4) Adopt rules, regulations and directives regarding party policies, practices and procedures.
[34-707, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 111, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 5, sec. 6, p. 11; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 5, p. 20; am. 1973, ch. 122, sec. 1, p. 232; am. 1980, ch. 236, sec. 1, p. 524; am. 2003, ch. 94, sec. 1, p. 279.]
(1) No person may offer himself as an independent candidate at the primary election.
(2) Any person who desires to offer himself as an independent candidate for federal, state, district, single countywide highway district pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, or county office may do so by complying strictly with the provisions of this section. In order to be recognized as an independent candidate, each such candidate must file with the proper officer as provided by section 34-705, Idaho Code, a declaration of candidacy as an independent candidate, during the period specified in section 34-704, Idaho Code. Such declaration must state that he is offering himself as an independent candidate, must declare that he has no political party affiliation, and must declare the office for which he seeks election. Each such declaration must be accompanied by a petition containing the following number of signatures of qualified electors:
(a) One thousand (1,000) for any statewide office;
(b) Five hundred (500) for any congressional district office;
(c) Fifty (50) for any legislative district office; or
(d) Five (5) for any county office or a single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code.
(3) Signatures on the petitions required in this section shall be verified in the manner prescribed in section 34-1807, Idaho Code, on a form similar to that used for recall petitions under chapter 17, title 34, Idaho Code, as prescribed by the secretary of state.
(4) If all of the requirements of this section have been met, the proper officer shall cause the name of each independent candidate who has qualified to be placed on the general election ballot, according to instructions of the secretary of state.
[34-708, added 1976, ch. 60, sec. 6, p. 204; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 5, p. 836; am. 1995, ch. 115, sec. 1, p. 385; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 24, p. 76; am. 2003, ch. 293, sec. 1, p. 795; am. 2021, ch. 272, sec. 2, p. 823; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 8, p. 1311.]
(1) Any person who desires to be an independent candidate for the office of president must file a declaration of candidacy as an independent candidate no later than August 1. Such declaration must state that such person is an independent candidate with no political party affiliation and shall have attached thereto a petition signed by one thousand (1,000) qualified electors.
(2) Signatures on the petition required in this section shall be verified no later than September 1 in the manner prescribed in section 34-1807, Idaho Code, on a form similar to that used for recall petitions under chapter 17, title 34, Idaho Code, as prescribed by the secretary of state, except that the petition circulators are not required to be Idaho residents. The secretary of state shall certify candidate qualifications no later than September 1.
[34-708A, added 1977, ch. 14, sec. 1, p. 30; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 6, p. 836; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 3, p. 89; am. 1987, ch. 262, sec. 2, p. 555; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 25, p. 77; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 6, p. 781; am. 2021, ch. 208, sec. 1, p. 575; am. 2021, ch. 272, sec. 3, p. 824; am. 2024, ch. 32, sec. 1, p. 228; am. 2025, ch. 306, sec. 1, p. 1301.]
The state chairman of each political party shall certify the names of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates and presidential electors to the secretary of state on or before September 1, unless a five (5) day extension is granted by the secretary of state, in order for them to appear on the general election ballot. The secretary of state shall certify such candidates to the county clerks at the same time as certification of political party candidates nominated for state and federal offices by the voters in the primary election.
[34-711, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 115, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 346, sec. 2, p. 1015; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 7, p. 204; am. 1984, ch. 131, sec. 3, p. 306; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 4, p. 89; am. 2003, ch. 94, sec. 2, p. 280.]
Independent presidential candidates who have qualified for ballot status pursuant to section 34-708A, Idaho Code, shall certify the names of the vice presidential candidate and of presidential electors to the secretary of state on or before September 1, unless an extension of no more than five (5) days is granted by the secretary of state, in order for them to appear on the general election ballot. The secretary of state shall certify the independent presidential electors and the independent candidates for president and vice president to the county clerks on or before September 7.
[34-711A, added 1977, ch. 14, sec. 2, p. 30; am. 1984, ch. 131, sec. 4, p. 306; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 5, p. 90; am. 2025, ch. 306, sec. 2, p. 1302.]
The secretary of state shall provide the sample form of the primary election ballot to each of the county clerks no later than the ninth Friday before the primary election. The sample ballot shall contain the proper political party candidates to be voted on within the county whose declarations were filed and certified in the office of the secretary of state with instructions for the placing of political party candidates seeking the political party nomination for county offices, single countywide highway district offices pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code, and precinct offices. If a county is within more than one (1) legislative district, the secretary of state shall provide a sample ballot for each legislative district that includes part of the county.
[34-712, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 116, p. 351; am. 1970, ch. 231, sec. 4, p. 643; am. 1971, ch. 188, sec. 4, p. 867; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 6, p. 20; am. 1972, ch. 346, sec. 3, p. 1015; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 8, p. 204; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 13, p. 606; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 9, p. 1311.]
(1) Upon receipt of the sample ballot and instructions from the secretary of state, each county clerk shall print and prepare the official primary ballots for the forthcoming election. The printing of the ballots shall be a county expense and paid out of the county treasury.
(2) Each county clerk shall cause to be published on the earliest date possible in May the names of all the political party candidates who shall appear on the primary ballot. The names shall be listed alphabetically under each particular office title.
[34-713, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 117, p. 351; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 13, p. 469; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 9, p. 205; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 7, p. 837; am. 2012, ch. 33, sec. 3, p. 103; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 5, p. 1168; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 5, p. 576.]
(1) Vacancies that occur before the primary election in the slate of candidates of any political party because of the death, disqualification for any reason, or withdrawal from the nomination process by the candidate shall be filled in the following manner if there is only one (1) candidate declared for that particular office:
(a) By the county central committee if the vacancy occurs for the office of precinct committeeman, a county office, or a single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code.
(b) By the legislative district central committee if the vacancy occurs for the office of state representative or state senator.
(c) By the state central committee if the vacancy occurs for a federal or state office.
The county and legislative district central committee shall fill the vacancy within fifteen (15) days from the date the vacancy occurred. The state central committee shall fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days from the date the vacancy occurred, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the primary election.
Any political party candidate so appointed by the proper central committee must, in order to have his name on the primary ballot, file a declaration of candidacy and pay the required filing fee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the primary election.
(2) No central committee shall fill any vacancy that occurs after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the primary election. Vacancies that occur after this date because of the death, disqualification for any reason, or withdrawal from the nomination process by the candidate shall be filled according to the provisions of section 34-715, Idaho Code.
(3) Vacancies that occur in a slate of candidates for precinct committeeman after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the primary election shall not be filled.
[34-714, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 118, p. 351; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 7, p. 20; am. 1975, ch. 21, sec. 3, p. 30; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 10, p. 205; am. 1989, ch. 70, sec. 3, p. 112; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 26, p. 77; am. 1999, ch. 222, sec. 1, p. 588; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 14, p. 607; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 10, p. 1311.]
(1) Vacancies that occur after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before a primary election, or after the primary election but before 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the general election in the slate of candidates of any political party because of the death or disqualification for any reason of a candidate, except candidates for precinct committeeman, shall be filled in the following manner if there is only one (1) candidate declared from the political party for that particular office:
(a) By the county central committee if it is a vacancy by a candidate for a county office or a single countywide highway district office pursuant to section 40-1404A, Idaho Code.
(b) By the legislative district central committee if it is a vacancy by a candidate for the state legislature.
(c) By the state central committee if it is a vacancy by a candidate for a federal or a state office.
(d) If the party candidate for a particular office dies or is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the general election, such candidate’s name shall remain on the ballot. If the deceased or disqualified candidate wins the general election, the resulting vacancy shall be filled pursuant to chapter 9, title 59, Idaho Code.
(2) The county and legislative district central committee shall fill the vacancy within fifteen (15) days from the date the vacancy occurred. The state central committee shall fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days from the date the vacancy occurred, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the general election.
(3) Any political party candidate so appointed by the proper central committee must, in order to have his name on the general ballot, file a declaration of candidacy and pay the required filing fee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the general election.
(4) Vacancies that occur in a slate of candidates for precinct committeeman after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the primary election shall not be filled.
[34-715, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 119, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 346, sec. 4, p. 1015; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 11, p. 207; am. 1977, ch. 21, sec. 1, p. 43; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 7, p. 592; am. 1996, ch. 28, sec. 27, p. 77; am. 1999, ch. 222, sec. 2, p. 589; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 15, p. 607; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 11, p. 1312.]
(1) All vacancies of candidates for nonpartisan offices that occur after the primary election but before the general election, except vacancies in the offices of nominated candidates for judicial office which shall be filled as provided in this section, shall not be filled.
(2) If a candidate for judicial office has received a majority of the votes cast for the office at the primary election, he shall be deemed elected as provided by section 34-1217, Idaho Code. Thereafter, if the judge-elect dies, moves from the state, or otherwise becomes ineligible to serve in the judicial office, the secretary of state shall declare that a vacancy exists in the judicial office, but that no other candidate for the office will be offered at the general election. The vacancy shall be filled as provided by law, as if the judge-elect had already assumed office.
(3) If three (3) or more candidates sought a judicial office at the primary election, and no candidate for the judicial office received a majority of the votes cast for the office at the primary election, and either of the candidates certified to be a nominee at the general election dies, moves from the state, or otherwise becomes ineligible to serve in the judicial office, the secretary of state shall cause the name or names of the candidate or candidates receiving the next highest number of votes cast at the primary election after the two (2) candidates certified, to be certified as nominees for the judicial office at the general election, so that two (2) candidates shall be offered for each judicial office to be filled. In the event only one (1) vacancy on the general election ballot is to be filled by the procedure outlined in this subsection, and there exists a tie among two (2) or more judicial candidates receiving the next highest number of votes, such candidates, or their personal designees, shall meet in the office of the secretary of state at a time fixed by him upon ten (10) days written notice to such interested candidates, or their designees, and a candidate to fill each such vacancy on the general election ballot shall be selected by lot from the candidates receiving the same number of votes at the primary election. The secretary of state shall cause the name of the persons so selected to appear on the general election ballot.
[34-716, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 120, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 333, sec. 1, p. 841.]
(1) A candidate for nomination or candidate for election to a partisan office may withdraw from the election by filing a notarized statement of withdrawal with the officer with whom his declaration of candidacy was filed. The statement must contain all information necessary to identify the candidate and the office sought and the reason for withdrawal. The filing officer shall immediately notify the proper central committee of the party, if any, of the individual withdrawing.
(2) A candidate for federal, state, or legislative district office may not withdraw later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh Friday before a primary election or 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before a general election. Filing fees paid by the candidate shall not be refunded.
(3) A candidate for county or precinct committeeman office may not withdraw later than 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before any election. Filing fees paid by the candidate shall not be refunded.
(4) Any candidate who has filed a statement of withdrawal pursuant to this section shall not be allowed to be appointed to fill a vacancy unless such vacancy occurs because of the death of a previous candidate.
[34-717, added 1983, ch. 213, sec. 8, p. 593; am. 1999, ch. 222, sec. 3, p. 590; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 12, p. 31; am. 2015, ch. 155, sec. 1, p. 545; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 16, p. 608.]
The secretary of state as chief election officer may adopt such rules as are necessary to facilitate the operation, accomplishment and purpose of this chapter.
[34-740, added 1975, ch. 174, sec. 10, p. 469; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 7, p. 1170.]
(1) The county clerk shall provide that all election ballots are identified as official. Each ballot shall have upon its face the date and year of the election in which it is used and the words "Official Election Ballot." To ensure the authenticity of all ballots cast in Idaho elections, each county clerk shall employ anti-fraud measures as provided in this section. All measures selected by a county clerk shall be tested and verified before each election, and the county clerk shall notify the county board of canvassers which measures are being used for each election. The confidentiality of each voter’s choices shall be maintained in accordance with section 1, article VI of the constitution of the state of Idaho, which guarantees the absolute secrecy of all ballots.
(2) For counties using voting machines as provided in chapter 24, title 34, Idaho Code, the county clerk shall use one (1) or more of the following anti-fraud measures on all ballots prior to being issued to the voter:
(a) Assignment of a unique identifier to each ballot in the form of a barcode or quick response code. The unique identifiers shall be randomly generated and non-sequential such that the identifier is never associated with the identity of the voter. The unique identifier shall be assigned to the ballot prior to being submitted to a scanner or tabulator;
(b) Printing of ballots on watermarked paper or display of a unique watermark image on each ballot;
(c) Printing of a hologram design on each ballot that is unique to each election. The hologram design shall be such that if a ballot is copied, the hologram design will change and not match the original;
(d) Printing of ballots on security paper such that, if copied, the copy will display that it is a copy and not the original; or
(e) Stamping or printing of the words "Official Election Ballot" on each ballot at the time it is issued to the voter.
(3) For counties hand counting the tally of votes, each ballot shall, at the time it is issued to the voter, be stamped or have printed the words "Official Election Ballot" along with the date of the election.
(4) The clerk shall maintain documentation of the security measures taken and the chain of custody of all ballots.
[34-901, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 121, p. 351; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 2, p. 736; am. 2025, ch. 88, sec. 1, p. 404.]
The board of county commissioners shall authorize that a suitable number of ballots be printed for each polling place. The county clerk shall cause such ballots to be printed upon receiving final instructions from the secretary of state, and the cost shall be paid from the county treasury. The board of county commissioners shall authorize the printing of ballots in the same manner for special elections when such special election is ordered by the governor or provided by law.
The board of county commissioners shall also provide a suitable number of ballot boxes for each polling place within the county, and shall have complete authority to determine the specifications for such ballot boxes.
[34-902, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 122, p. 351; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 14, p. 469; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 10, p. 838; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 13, p. 31.]
(1) The secretary of state shall, in a manner consistent with the election laws of this state, prescribe the form for all ballots, absentee ballots, diagrams, sample ballots, voting machine labels or booklets, certificates, notices, declarations of candidacy, affidavits of all types, lists, applications, poll books, tally sheets, registers, rosters, statements, and abstracts if required by the election laws of this state.
(2) The secretary of state shall prescribe the arrangement of the matter to be printed on each kind of ballot and label, including:
(a) The placement and listing of all offices, candidates, and issues upon which voting is statewide, which shall be uniform throughout the state; and
(b) The listing of all other candidates required to file with him, and the order of listing all offices, candidates, and issues upon which voting is not statewide.
(3) The names of candidates for legislative or special district offices shall be printed only on the ballots furnished to voters of such district.
(4)(a) The order of the names of candidates that appear on election ballots for federal, state, county, and local offices shall be rotated in the manner determined by the secretary of state for any political entity whose number of registered voters at the last general election exceeded twenty-five thousand (25,000).
(b) The order of names of candidates for office in all other elections shall be determined by applying the first letter of each candidate’s last name to a random alphabet selected prior to each election by the secretary of state.
(5) No candidate’s name may appear on a ballot for more than one (1) partisan office or one (1) judicial office, except that a candidate for precinct committeeman may seek one (1) additional office upon the same ballot. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the election of electors of president and vice president of the United States.
[34-903, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 123, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 189, sec. 1, p. 870; am. 1987, ch. 313, sec. 1, p. 656; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 8, p. 781; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 6, p. 575; am. 2015, ch. 282, sec. 5, p. 1148; am. 2022, ch. 99, sec. 1, p. 343; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 13, p. 907; am. 2026, ch. 186, sec. 1, p. 837.]
Should it appear to the secretary of state or county clerk that a person has filed as a candidate and that such person has changed their name and has changed their name to words that convey or attempt to convey a political message, the secretary of state or county clerk shall make an inquiry to determine: (i) if such person has changed their name; and (ii) if such name contains words that convey a political message to voters on the ballot; and (iii) if an explanation on the ballot would clarify the ballot and would assist in eliminating voter confusion. If the secretary of state or county clerk finds affirmatively that all three (3) criteria have been met, the secretary of state or county clerk shall be required to note on the ballot immediately following the name that appears to be a political proposition the following statement in parentheses: (A person, formerly known as …… ……..), inserting in the blank within the parentheses the name by which the candidate who changed their name was formerly known.
[34-903A, added 2008, ch. 408, sec. 2, p. 1124.]
(1) No county elections office shall use ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting to conduct an election or nomination of any candidate in this state for any local government, statewide, or federal elective office.
(2) For the purpose of this section:
(a) "Local government" means any municipality, county, school district, special taxing district, or any other regional or local district or unit of government that is governed by one (1) or more elected officials.
(b) "Ranked choice voting" or "instant runoff voting" means a method of casting and tabulating votes in which:
(i) Voters rank candidates in order of preference;
(ii) Tabulation proceeds in rounds such that in each round either a candidate or candidates are elected or the last-place candidate is defeated;
(iii) Votes are transferred from elected or defeated candidates to the voters’ next ranked candidate or candidates in order of preference; and
(iv) Tabulation ends when a candidate receives the majority of votes cast or the number of candidates elected equals the number of offices to be filled.
(3) Any local government ordinance in conflict with this section is void.
[34-903B, added 2023, ch. 135, sec. 1, p. 379.]
(1) There shall be a separate primary election ballot for each political party upon which its ticket shall be printed; however, a county may use a separate ballot for the office of precinct committeeman. All candidates who have filed their declarations of candidacy and are subsequently certified shall be listed under the proper office titles on their political party ticket. The secretary of state shall design the primary election ballot to allow for write-in candidates when needed.
(2) The office titles shall be listed in order beginning with the highest federal office and ending with precinct offices. The secretary of state has the discretion and authority to arrange the classifications of offices as provided by law.
(3) It is not necessary to print a primary ballot for a political party which does not have candidates for more than half of the federal or statewide offices on the ballot if no more than one (1) candidate files for nomination by that party for any of the offices on the ballot. The secretary of state shall certify that no primary election is necessary for that party if such is the case and shall certify to the county clerk the names of candidates for that party for the general election ballot only.
[34-904, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 124, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 189, sec. 2, p. 870; am. 1972, ch. 130, sec. 1, p. 259; am. 1983, ch. 213, sec. 10, p. 593; am. 2001, ch. 272, sec. 2, p. 994; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 7, p. 932; am. 2012, ch. 57, sec. 1, p. 157; am. 2020, ch. 69, sec. 3, p. 158.]
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, an elector who has designated a party affiliation shall be allowed to vote only in the primary election of the political party for which such an elector is so registered.
(2) A political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code, may, no later than the last Tuesday in the November prior to a primary election, notify the secretary of state in writing that the political party elects to allow, in addition to those electors who have registered with that political party, any of the following to vote in such party’s primary election:
(a) Electors designated as unaffiliated;
(b) Electors registered with a different political party qualified to participate in elections pursuant to section 34-501, Idaho Code. In the event a state chairman of a political party elects to allow electors to vote in that party’s primary election pursuant to this paragraph, the state chairman shall identify which political parties’ registrants are allowed to vote in such primary election.
(3) In the event that more than one (1) political party allows unaffiliated electors to vote in their party’s primary election, an unaffiliated elector shall designate which political party’s primary election the elector chooses to vote in by declaring such designation to the poll worker or other appropriate election personnel, who shall then record in the poll book the elector’s choice. The county clerk shall record such choice as part of the elector’s voting history within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
(4) In the event no more than one (1) political party allows unaffiliated electors to vote in their party’s primary election, an "unaffiliated" elector may designate that political party’s primary election as the election the elector chooses to vote in by declaring such designation to the poll worker or other appropriate election personnel, who shall then record in the poll book the elector’s choice. The county clerk shall record such choice as part of the elector’s voting history within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
(5) An unaffiliated elector having declared such designation as provided for in subsection (3) or (4) of this section shall not be permitted to vote in the primary election of any other party held on that primary election date.
(6) If an unaffiliated elector does not declare a choice of political party’s primary election ballot, the elector shall not be permitted to vote in any political party’s primary election but shall receive a nonpartisan ballot when such a ballot is available.
(7) In the event that one (1) or more political parties allow electors affiliated with a different political party to vote in their primary election pursuant to this section, an elector affiliated with a different political party shall declare to the poll worker or other appropriate election personnel in which primary election ballot such elector wishes to vote. The county clerk shall record such choice as part of the elector’s voting history within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
(8) Provided that all other provisions of this act are complied with, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an elector designated as unaffiliated from voting in the primary election of a different party held in subsequent years. Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, if a political party allows unaffiliated electors to vote in that political party’s primary election pursuant to this section, a vote by an unaffiliated elector in such primary election shall not change or affect the elector’s unaffiliated designation.
[34-904A, added 2011, ch. 319, sec. 8, p. 933; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 8, p. 1170; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 14, p. 577.]
There shall be a single nonpartisan ballot for the election of justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, and district judges. The names of all candidates for each office shall be listed under the proper office title by the secretary of state. A similar ballot shall be prepared for any general election, whenever it shall be necessary to conduct an election for judicial office.
[34-905, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 125, p. 351; am. 1970, ch. 231, sec. 5, p. 643; am. 1971 (E.S.), ch. 9, sec. 8, p. 20; am. 2023, ch. 210, sec. 3, p. 587.]
There shall be a single nonpartisan ballot for the election of highway district commissioners in each highway district. The ballot shall designate the highway district commissioners subdistrict and the names of all candidates for that office shall be listed thereon. The ballot shall also contain the words: "Vote for One," followed by the names of the candidates for the office. The candidate with the most votes shall be declared the successful candidate.
Nonpartisan ballots for election of highway district commissioners — Plurality required for election. [effective January 1, 2027]
There shall be a single nonpartisan ballot for the election of highway district commissioners in each highway district. The ballot shall designate the highway district commissioners subdistrict, and the names of all candidates for that office shall be listed thereon. The ballot shall also contain the words: "Vote for One," followed by the names of the candidates for the office. The candidate with the most votes shall be declared the successful candidate. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the election of commissioners of a single countywide highway district organized pursuant to chapter 14, title 40, Idaho Code.
[34-905A, added 1972, ch. 345, sec. 2, p. 1013; am. 2026, ch. 333, sec. 12, p. 1313.]
(1) There shall be a single general election ballot on which the complete ticket of each political party shall be printed. Each political party ticket shall include that party’s nominee for each particular office. The secretary of state shall design the general election ballot to allow for write-in candidates when needed.
(2) The office titles shall be listed in order beginning with the highest federal office. The secretary of state has the discretion and authority to arrange the above classifications of offices as provided by law.
[34-906, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 126, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 189, sec. 3, p. 870; am. 1977, ch. 12, sec. 1, p. 24; am. 2020, ch. 69, sec. 4, p. 158; am. 2026, ch. 227, sec. 1, p. 1005.]
(1) Every ballot used at any primary, general or special election shall be marked on the outside with the official election ballot identification before it is given to the voter. At this time the election official distributing the ballots shall give the voter instructions in regard to folding the ballot after he has voted.
(2) The voter shall mark his ballot with a cross (X) or other mark sufficient to show his intent in the place provided after the name of the candidate for whom he intends to vote for each office.
(3) If a person votes by writing the name of a candidate on the ballot, such act shall constitute a vote for the person’s name who appears without the necessity of placing a mark after the name written on the ballot, unless such a mark is required by a vote tally system.
[34-908, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 128, p. 351; am. 1988, ch. 293, sec. 1, p. 932; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 3, p. 736.]
(1) The secretary of state, no later than September 7, shall provide the necessary general election sample ballot layout to each of the county clerks.
(2) The sample ballot layout shall contain the proper office titles, order of offices and ballot layout for the general election, with instructions for placement of candidates seeking election for federal, state, legislative, county and precinct offices and candidates seeking judicial office or retention. If a county is within more than one (1) legislative district, the secretary of state shall provide instructions on the requirements for a separate ballot for each legislative district that is within the county.
(3) The secretary of state shall certify to the county clerks the names and political party of the candidates qualified for placement on the general election ballot for all federal, state and legislative district offices on the sample ballots, along with any judicial candidates, by no later than the ninth Friday prior to the general election.
(4) The secretary of state shall certify the name of a candidate being appointed by the appropriate central committee as provided by section 34-715, Idaho Code, by no later than the next business day after the appointment is received in the secretary of state’s office, if received after the certification of candidates to the county clerks under subsection (3) of this section.
[34-909, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 199, p. 351; am. 1976, ch. 60, sec. 12, p. 207; am. 1984, ch. 131, sec. 5, p. 306; am. 1985, ch. 42, sec. 6, p. 90; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 9, p. 347.]
(1) It shall be the duty of the county clerk to furnish and cause to be delivered a sufficient number of election ballots to the judges of elections of each voting precinct. The ballots shall be delivered to the polling place within the precinct on or before the opening of the polls for the election together with the official election ballot identification in sealed packages. Upon receipt of the ballots and supplies, the chief judge of elections or other designated judge must return a written receipt to the county clerk.
(2) The county clerk shall keep a record of the number of ballots printed and furnished to each polling place within the county and preserve the same for one (1) year.
[34-910, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 129, p. 351; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 9, p. 782; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 4, p. 737.]
The county clerk shall prepare full instructions for the guidance of voters at such elections, as to obtaining ballots, as to the manner of marking them, and as to obtaining new tickets in place of those spoiled, and provide sample ballots. The form and manner of display of the above mentioned instructions shall be prescribed by the secretary of state and be uniform throughout the state.
[34-911, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 130, p. 351.]
When any vacancy occurs after the printing of the ballots and is filled as provided by law, the county clerk shall thereupon have printed a sufficient number of stickers containing the name of the candidate designated to fill the vacancy and shall deliver them to the judges of elections of the precincts interested therein.
The distributing clerk shall affix such stickers on the ballot before it is given to the elector. The sticker shall be placed over the name of the previous candidate. If the vacancy occurs after the deadline for filling the same, the distributing clerk shall cross the name of such candidate off the ballot and no votes shall be cast for the candidate. The county clerk shall notify the precincts of this authorization as soon as a vacancy occurs.
[34-912, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 131, p. 351.]
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after July 1, 2021, any taxing district that proposes to submit any question to the electors of the district that would authorize any bonded indebtedness must provide a brief official statement setting forth in simple, understandable language information on the proposal substantially as follows:
(a) The purpose for which the bonds are to be used, including but not necessarily limited to a description of the facility or project that will be financed, in whole or in part, by the sale of the bonds; the date of the election; and the principal amount of the bonds to be issued;
(b) The anticipated interest rate on the proposed bonds based on current market rates and a maximum interest rate if a maximum is specified in the question to be submitted to electors;
(c) The total amount to be repaid over the life of the bonds based on the anticipated interest. Such total shall reflect three (3) components: a total of the principal to be repaid; a total of the interest to be paid; and the sum of both;
(d) The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer of the proposed bond, in the format of "A tax of $_____ per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions";
(e) The length of time, reflected in months or years, in which the proposed bonds will be paid off or retired;
(f) The total existing indebtedness, including interest accrued, of the taxing district; and
(g) If the ballot question or official statement includes information regarding guaranteed state tax relief funds of a specific dollar amount, including school district facilities funds, and such state tax relief funds will expire at a future date, the ballot question or official statement shall disclose the year such state tax relief funds are scheduled to expire using the following language: "such state tax relief funds are currently only guaranteed through ". No ballot question or official statement shall include any information regarding state tax relief funds, unless a specific dollar amount of such funds is guaranteed to the taxing district.
(2) (a) The formula for calculating the estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer shall be as follows:
((Bond Total/Taxable Value) x 100,000)/Duration = estimated average annual cost to taxpayer; and
(b) The elements of which are defined as:
(i) "Bond total" means the total amount to be bonded, from subsection (1)(c) of this section as based on the anticipated interest rate in subsection (1)(b) of this section;
(ii) "Duration" means the time, in years, specified in subsection (1)(e) of this section; and
(iii) "Taxable value" means the most recent total taxable value for property for the applicable taxing district, which shall be obtained from the applicable county treasurer or assessor’s office.
(3) The official statement must be made a part of the ballot and placed above the location on the ballot where a person casts a vote and must be included in the official notice of the election.
(4) In order to be binding, a ballot question to authorize a bond must include the information and language required by this section in its official statement.
(5) Any mass communication, whether in printed, audio, visual, or electronic form or any other medium, sent by a taxing district to twenty (20) or more voters and any media presented by a taxing district for public viewing, including posters, websites, or social media, regarding its proposed bond must include the information required by subsection (1)(b) through (g) of this section.
(6) Upon a determination by a court, pursuant to section 34-2001A, Idaho Code, that the taxing district failed to comply with the provisions of this section, the court must declare the outcome of the ballot question invalid and award court costs and fees to the prevailing party.
[34-913, added 2021, ch. 288, sec. 3, p. 863; am. 2023, ch. 282, sec. 1, p. 842; am. 2024, ch. 84, sec. 1, p. 380.]
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after July 1, 2021, any taxing district that proposes to submit any question to the electors of the district that would authorize any levy, except for the levies authorized for the purposes provided in sections 63-802(1)(h) and 33-802(4), Idaho Code, and except for levies relating to bonded indebtedness where section 34-913, Idaho Code, applies, must include in the ballot question, or in a brief official statement on the ballot but separate from the ballot question, a disclosure setting forth in simple, understandable language information on the proposal substantially as follows:
(a) The purpose for which the levy shall be used; the date of the election; and the dollar amount estimated to be collected each year from the levy;
(b) The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer of the proposed levy, in the form of "A tax of $_____ per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions." If the taxing district proposing the levy has an existing levy of the same type that is set to expire at the time that the proposed levy will begin, an additional statement may be provided along the following lines: "The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that will expire on _____ and that currently costs $_____ per $100,000 of taxable assessed value." The statement shall also disclose that, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is either: (i) not expected to change or (ii) is expected to increase or decrease the tax by $_____ per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. The dollar amounts referenced in this paragraph shall be calculated by multiplying the expected levy rate by one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000);
(c) The length of time, reflected in months or years, in which the proposed levy will be assessed;
(d) If an existing levy is referenced, the expiration date of the levy must also be provided; and
(e) If the ballot question or official statement includes information regarding guaranteed state tax relief funds of a specific dollar amount, including school district facilities funds, and such state tax relief funds will expire at a future date, the ballot question or official statement shall disclose the year such state tax relief funds are scheduled to expire using the following language: "such state tax relief funds are currently only guaranteed through ". No ballot question or official statement shall include any information regarding state tax relief funds, unless a specific dollar amount of such funds is guaranteed to the taxing district.
(2) The information called for in subsection (1) of this section must be placed immediately above the location on the ballot where a person casts a vote and must also be included in like manner in the official notice of the election.
(3) In order to be binding, a ballot question to authorize a levy must include the information and language required by this section in its official statement. The ballot question may not include other information or language regarding any other bond, levy, or matter, whether previous, current, or proposed, except as authorized under this section.
(4) Any mass communication, whether in printed, audio, visual, or electronic form or any other medium, sent by a taxing district to twenty (20) or more voters and any media presented by a taxing district for public viewing, including posters, websites, or social media, regarding its proposed levy must include the information required by subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section.
(5) Upon a determination by a court, pursuant to section 34-2001A, Idaho Code, that the taxing district failed to comply with the provisions of this section, the court must declare the outcome of the ballot question invalid and award court costs and fees to the prevailing party.
[34-914, added 2021, ch. 288, sec. 4, p. 864; am. 2023, ch. 282, sec. 2, p. 843; am. 2024, ch. 84, sec. 2, p. 381.]
Any registered elector of the state of Idaho may vote at any election by absentee ballot as herein provided.
[34-1001, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 162, p. 351.]
(1) Any registered elector may make written application to the county clerk, or other proper officer charged by law with the duty of issuing official ballots for such election, for an official ballot or ballots of the kind or kinds to be voted at the election. The application shall contain the name of the elector, the elector’s home address, county, and address to which such ballot shall be forwarded.
(2) In order to provide the appropriate primary election ballot to electors, in the event a political party elects to allow unaffiliated electors to vote in that party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code, the elector shall designate, as part of the written application for a ballot for primary elections, the elector’s party affiliation or designation as "unaffiliated." The application shall contain checkoff boxes for unaffiliated electors by which such electors shall indicate for which party’s primary ballot the unaffiliated elector chooses to vote. Provided however, that no political party’s primary election ballot shall be provided to an unaffiliated elector for a political party that has not elected to allow unaffiliated electors to vote in that political party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code. If an unaffiliated elector does not indicate a choice of political party’s primary election ballot, the elector shall receive a nonpartisan ballot.
(3) In order to provide the appropriate primary election ballot to electors, in the event one (1) or more political parties elect to allow electors affiliated with a different political party to vote in that party’s primary election, the application shall contain checkoff boxes by which such electors may indicate the primary ballot in which the elector wishes to vote.
(4) For electors who are registered to vote as of January 1, 2012, and who remain registered electors, the elector shall designate, as part of the written application for a ballot for the 2012 primary elections, the elector’s party affiliation or designation as "unaffiliated." The application shall contain checkoff boxes for unaffiliated electors by which such electors shall indicate for which party’s primary election ballot the unaffiliated elector chooses to vote, pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code. Provided however, that no political party’s primary election ballot shall be provided to an unaffiliated elector for a political party that has not elected to allow unaffiliated electors to vote in the party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code. If an unaffiliated elector does not indicate a choice of political party’s primary election ballot, the elector shall receive a nonpartisan ballot. After the 2012 primary election, the county clerk shall record the party affiliation or unaffiliated designation so selected on the application for an absentee ballot as part of such an elector’s record within the voter registration system as provided for in section 34-437A, Idaho Code.
(5) After the 2012 primary election, electors who remain registered voters and who did not vote in the 2012 primary elections and who make written application for an absentee ballot shall be designated as unaffiliated electors as provided in section 34-404, Idaho Code, and such electors shall be given the appropriate ballot for such "unaffiliated" designation pursuant to the provisions of this act.
(6) An elector may not change party affiliation or designation as "unaffiliated" on an application for absentee ballot. For primary elections, an elector may change party affiliation or designation as "unaffiliated" as provided for in section 34-411A, Idaho Code.
(7) The application for an absent elector’s ballot shall be signed personally by the applicant. The application for a mail-in absentee ballot shall be received by the county clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day before the election. An application for in-person absentee voting at the absent elector’s polling place described in section 34-1006, Idaho Code, shall be received by the county clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the election. Application for an absentee ballot may be made by using a facsimile machine or other electronic transmission.
(8) A person may make application for an absent elector’s ballot by use of a properly executed federal postcard application as provided for in the laws of the United States known as uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act (UOCAVA, 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., as amended). The issuing officer shall keep as a part of the records of such officer’s office a list of all applications so received and of the manner and time of delivery or mailing to and receipt of returned ballot.
(9) The county clerk shall, not later than seventy-five (75) days after the date of each general election, submit a report to the secretary of state containing information concerning absentee voters as required by federal law.
[34-1002, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 163, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 157, sec. 1, p. 349; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 7, p. 646; am. 1976, ch. 353, sec. 2, p. 1166; am. 1987, ch. 167, sec. 1, p. 328; am. 1994, ch. 122, sec. 2, p. 272; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 12, p. 752; am. 2002, ch. 236, sec. 1, p. 707; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 11, p. 186; am. 2010, ch. 332, sec. 1, p. 881; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 9, p. 934; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 4, p. 309; am. 2016, ch. 137, sec. 1, p. 402; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 10, p. 348; am. 2020, ch. 286, sec. 1, p. 829.]
(1) A registered elector who has not previously requested an absentee ballot for the same election and who is physically unable to vote in person at the elector’s designated polling place on the day of the election because of an emergency situation requiring hospitalization of the elector may request an emergency situation absentee ballot by filing an emergency situation absentee ballot application with the county clerk. The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for the emergency situation absentee ballot application.
(a) The emergency application may be submitted to the county clerk up to five (5) days prior to the election but shall be received by the county clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the election, in order to allow for the coordination of ballot delivery to the requesting elector at the hospital.
(b) The emergency application shall be signed personally by the applicant.
(c) The situation rendering the requesting elector physically unable to vote in person at the polling place must have occurred after 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election, and the applicant must attest to that fact with the applicant’s signature.
(2) Regardless of the time of the request, an absentee ballot delivered under this section must be returned to the county clerk’s office from which it was received in order to be counted, in accordance with section 34-1005, Idaho Code.
(3) The county clerk shall deem the location of an individual to be an absent elector’s polling place, as provided in section 34-1006, Idaho Code, solely for the purposes of registering the applicant under section 34-408A, Idaho Code, and shall provide the applicant with an emergency situation absentee ballot in the event that the individual who wishes to apply for an emergency situation absentee ballot under this section:
(a) Was not a registered elector at the time the register closed but became eligible for registration following the closing of the register;
(b) Was rendered physically unable to register in person on election day by the emergency situation; and
(c) Was otherwise qualified to request an emergency situation absentee ballot under this section.
[34-1002A, added 2020, ch. 286, sec. 2, p. 831.]
(1) Upon receipt of an application for an absent elector’s ballot within the proper time, the county clerk receiving it shall examine the records of the county clerk’s office to ascertain whether or not such applicant is registered and lawfully entitled to vote as requested and, if found to be so, the county clerk shall arrange for the applicant to vote by absent elector’s ballot.
(2) In the case of requests for primary ballots:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, an elector who has designated a political party affiliation shall receive a primary ballot for that political party.
(b) An elector who has designated a political party affiliation pursuant to section 34-404, Idaho Code, may receive the primary election ballot of a political party other than the political party such elector is affiliated with if such other political party has provided notification to the secretary of state that identifies the political party such elector is affiliated with, as provided for in section 34-904A(2)(b), Idaho Code.
(c) An unaffiliated elector shall receive the primary ballot for the political party the elector designated in the elector’s application for an absentee ballot pursuant to section 34-1002, Idaho Code. Provided however, that a political party’s ballot shall not be provided to an unaffiliated elector where that political party has not elected to allow unaffiliated electors to vote in such party’s primary election pursuant to section 34-904A, Idaho Code.
(d) If an unaffiliated elector does not indicate a choice of a political party’s primary ballot, the elector shall receive a nonpartisan ballot.
(e) Once an absentee primary ballot is issued to an elector by the county clerk, the county clerk may not issue the same elector a new absentee primary ballot with a different party affiliation than the absentee ballot originally issued to the elector, unless the original absentee ballot type was issued in error by the county clerk.
(3) The absentee ballot may be delivered to the absent elector in the office of the county clerk, by postage prepaid mail or by other appropriate means, including use of a facsimile machine or other electronic transmission. Validly requested absentee ballots for candidates for federal office, where the request is received at least forty-five (45) days before an election, shall be sent no later than forty-five (45) days before that election to all electors who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot.
(4) Pursuant to the uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act (UOCAVA, 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., as amended) the secretary of state shall establish procedures for the transmission of blank absentee ballots by mail and by electronic transmission for all electors who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act, and by which such electors may designate whether the elector prefers the transmission of such ballots by mail or electronically. If no preference is stated, the ballots shall be transmitted by mail. The secretary of state shall establish procedures for transmitting such ballots in a manner that shall protect the security and integrity of such ballots and the privacy of the elector throughout the process of transmission.
(5) A political party may supply a witness to accompany the clerk in the personal delivery of an absentee ballot. If the political party desires to supply a witness, it shall be the duty of the political party to supply the names of such witnesses to the clerk no later than forty-six (46) days prior to the election. The clerk shall notify such witnesses of the date and approximate hour the clerk or deputy clerk intends to deliver the ballot.
(6) A candidate for public office or a spouse of a candidate for public office shall not be a witness in the personal delivery of absentee ballots.
(7) An elector physically unable to mark such elector’s own ballot may receive assistance in marking such ballot from the officer delivering same or an available person of the elector’s own choosing. In the event the election officer is requested to render assistance in marking an absent elector’s ballot, the officer shall ascertain the desires of the elector and shall vote the applicant’s ballot accordingly. When such ballot is marked by an election officer, the witnesses on hand shall be allowed to observe such marking. No county clerk, deputy, or other person assisting a disabled voter shall attempt to influence the vote of such elector in any manner.
[34-1003, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 164, p. 351; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 9, p. 646; am. 1975, ch. 66, sec. 1, p. 132; am. 1984, ch. 131, sec. 6, p. 307; am. 1993, ch. 100, sec. 1, p. 253; am. 1994, ch. 122, sec. 4, p. 273; am. 1996, ch. 74, sec. 1, p. 238; am. 2010, ch. 332, sec. 2, p. 882; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 14, p. 31; am. 2011, ch. 319, sec. 10, p. 935; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 11, p. 349; am. 2020, 1st E.S., ch. 1, sec. 1, p. 5; am. 2021, ch. 323, sec. 1, p. 987.]
Upon receipt of the absent elector’s ballot the elector shall thereupon mark and fold the ballot so as to conceal the marking, deposit it in the ballot envelope and seal the envelope securely. In the event an election requires a perforated ballot, the unvoted portion must be deposited in the unvoted ballot envelope and sealed. The ballot envelopes must then be deposited in the return envelope and sealed securely.
The elector shall then execute an affidavit on the back of the return envelope in the form prescribed, provided however, that such affidavit need not be notarized.
[34-1004, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 165, p. 351.]
(1) The return envelope shall be mailed or delivered to the officer who issued the same; provided, that an absentee ballot must be received by the issuing officer by 8:00 p.m. on the day of election before such ballot may be counted.
(2) Upon receipt of an absent elector’s ballot, the county clerk of the county wherein such elector resides shall verify the authenticity of the affidavit, including verifying that the signature matches the signature from such elector’s voter registration, and shall write or stamp upon the envelope containing the same, the date and hour such envelope was received in his office and shall record the information pursuant to section 34-1011, Idaho Code. He shall safely keep and preserve all absent electors’ ballots unopened until the time prescribed for delivery to the polls or to the central count ballot processing center.
[34-1005, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 166, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 157, sec. 2, p. 349; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 13, p. 753; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 4, p. 621; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 10, p. 782; am. 2021, ch. 262, sec. 3, p. 808.]
(1) Each county clerk shall provide one (1) or more "absent electors’ polling place(s)" as determined necessary by each county. Each polling place shall be provided with voting booths and other necessary supplies as provided by law. Except as provided in section 34-308, Idaho Code, every elector shall always be provided the opportunity to vote in person in an election, notwithstanding any declaration of emergency, extreme emergency, or disaster emergency by the governor.
(2) Electioneering is prohibited at an "absent electors’ polling place" as provided in section 18-2318, Idaho Code.
[34-1006, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 167, p. 351; am. 1994, ch. 21, sec. 1, p. 36; am. 1998, ch. 163, sec. 1, p. 551; am. 2020, 1st E.S., ch. 3, sec. 1, p. 9.]
(1) In those counties that count ballots at the polls, upon receipt of absent elector’s ballot or ballots, the officer receiving them shall forthwith enclose the same, unopened in a carrier envelope endorsed with the name and official title of such officer and the words: "absent electors’ ballot to be opened only at the polls." He shall hold the same until the delivery of the official ballots to the judges of election of the precinct in which the elector resides and shall deliver the ballot or ballots to the judges with such official ballots.
(2) In those counties that count ballots at a central location, absentee ballots that are received may, in the discretion of the county clerk, be retained in a secure place in the clerk’s office and such ballots shall be added to the precinct returns at the time of ballot tabulation. Provided, however, for any election that takes place prior to December 31, 2020, absentee ballots may be opened and scanned beginning seven (7) days prior to election day. If the absentee ballots are opened prior to election day, the ballots shall be securely maintained in a nonproprietary electronic access-controlled room under twenty-four (24) hour nonproprietary video surveillance that is livestreamed to the public and which video must be archived for at least ninety (90) days following the election. The ballots shall be boxed and secured in the same access-controlled room each day after being opened or scanned. A minimum of two (2) election officials must be present whenever absentee ballots are accessed. No results shall be tabulated for absentee ballots until the polls close on the day of the election held prior to December 31, 2020.
(3) The clerk shall deliver to the polls a list of those absentee ballots received to record in the official poll book that the elector has voted.
[34-1007, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 168, p. 351; am. 2002, ch. 236, sec. 2, p. 708; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 5, p. 622; am. 2020, 1st E.S., ch. 1, sec. 2, p. 7.]
Between the opening and closing of the polls on such election day the judges of election of such precinct shall open the carrier envelope only, announce the absent elector’s name, and in the event they find such applicant to be a duly registered elector of the precinct and that he has not heretofore voted at the election, they shall open the return envelope and remove the ballot envelopes and deposit the same in the proper ballot boxes and cause the absent elector’s name to be entered on the poll books the same as though he had been present and voted in person. The ballot envelope shall not be opened until the ballots are counted.
[34-1008, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 169, p. 351; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 14, p. 753.]
The vote of any absent elector may be challenged in the same manner as other votes are challenged and the receiving judges shall have power and authority to determine the legality of such ballot. If the challenge be sustained, or if the receiving judges determine, that the affidavit accompanying the absent elector’s ballot is insufficient, or that the elector is not a qualified registered elector the envelope containing the ballot of such elector shall not be opened and the judges shall endorse on the back of the envelope the reason therefor. If an absent elector’s envelope contains more than one (1) marked ballot of any one (1) kind, none of such ballots shall be counted and the judges shall make notations on the back of the ballots the reason therefor. Judges of election shall certify in their returns the number of absent electors’ ballots cast and counted and the number of such ballots rejected.
[34-1009, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 170, p. 351; am. 2004, ch. 248, sec. 1, p. 714.]
All absent electors’ identification envelopes, ballot stubs and absent electors’ ballots rejected by the judges in accordance with the provisions of this act shall be returned to the county clerk. All absent electors’ ballots received by the county clerk after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the general, primary or special election, together with the rejected absent electors’ ballots returned by the judges of election as provided in this section, shall remain in the sealed identification envelopes and be handled in the manner provided for other spoiled ballots.
[34-1010, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 171, p. 351; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 10, p. 646.]
(1) The county clerk shall keep a record in his office containing a list of names and precinct numbers of electors making application for absent elector’s ballots, together with the date on which such application was made and the date on which such absent elector’s ballot was returned.
(2) If an absent elector’s ballot is not returned or if it be rejected and not counted, such fact shall be noted on the record.
(3) If an absent elector’s ballot is returned to the county clerk by the United States post office as undeliverable, the county clerk shall investigate the validity of the absent elector’s registration, and the results of the investigation shall be noted on the record. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to implement proper procedures for investigating the validity of an absent elector’s registration.
(4) Such record shall be open to public inspection under proper regulations.
[34-1011, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 172, p. 351; am. 2022, ch. 173, sec. 1, p. 568.]
(1) Those counties that utilize absentee voting facilities that have access to the Idaho statewide voter registration system and count ballots at a central location or utilize a polling location-based tabulation system may elect to conduct "early voting" according to the provisions of this section. For those counties that elect to do "early voting," early voting shall begin on or after the fourth Monday before the election and end at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the election. Primary election ballots shall be issued pursuant to section 34-1002(2), Idaho Code.
(2) A voter who appears at an "early voting" station to vote shall state his or her name and address to the election official and present the voter’s identification as required by sections 34-1113 and 34-1114, Idaho Code.
(3) The election official shall examine the records to ascertain whether or not such applicant is registered and lawfully entitled to vote as requested. The provisions of section 34-408A, Idaho Code, authorizing election day registration shall also apply in determining the applicant’s qualifications to vote.
(4) Before receiving a ballot, each elector shall sign his or her name in the election register and poll book provided for early voting.
(5) The elector shall then be given the appropriate ballots containing the official election ballot identification pursuant to section 34-901, Idaho Code, and shall be given folding instructions for such ballots, if appropriate.
(6) Upon receipt of the ballots, the elector shall retire to a vacant voting booth and mark the ballots according to the instructions provided.
(7) After marking the ballot, the elector shall present himself or herself to the election official at the ballot box and state his or her name and address. The elector shall then deposit the ballot in the ballot box or hand it to the election official, who shall deposit it. The election official shall then record that the elector has voted and proclaim the same in an audible voice.
(8) Voters requiring assistance shall be provided with such assistance in accordance with section 34-1108, Idaho Code.
(9) Electioneering is prohibited at an early voting polling place as provided in section 18-2318, Idaho Code.
[34-1012, added 2013, ch. 132, sec. 1, p. 302; am. 2016, ch. 138, sec. 1, p. 403; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 17, p. 608.]
(1) A detailed plan for the security of ballots for early voting shall be submitted to the secretary of state for approval no later than the third Friday of January or at least thirty (30) days prior to implementing an early voting plan. Once an early voting plan has been approved by the secretary of state, the plan shall be approved for the entire election year, unless it is modified. Any modified plan shall be submitted to the secretary of state for approval. Once a plan is approved, the county clerk shall notify the secretary of state of the county’s intent to use the early voting process prior to each election and before early voting begins.
(2) At a minimum, the following procedures must be followed:
(a) The ballot boxes used for casting early ballots shall remain locked and secured with a numbered seal until the time of tabulation on election day;
(b) A record shall be maintained consisting of the number of ballots issued by date and seal number of each ballot box used for early voting;
(c) Arrangements shall be made to have a deputy sheriff, police officer or bonded private security firm secure the location; and
(d) The actual counting of ballots shall not begin until election day, and the results shall not be released to the public until all voting places in the state have closed.
[34-1013, added 2013, ch. 132, sec. 2, p. 303; am. 2018, ch. 155, sec. 1, p. 312.]
(1) At all elections conducted pursuant to title 34, Idaho Code, the polls shall be opened at 8:00 A.M. and remain open until all registered electors of that precinct have appeared and voted or until 8:00 P.M. of the same day, whichever comes first. The county clerk, at his option, however, may open the polls in his county at 7:00 A.M. for a primary or general election.
(2) Upon opening the polls, one (1) of the judges shall make the proclamation of the same and thirty (30) minutes before closing the polls a proclamation shall be made in the same manner. Any elector who is in line at 8:00 P.M. shall be allowed to vote notwithstanding the pronouncement that the polls are closed.
[34-1101, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 173, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 349, sec. 1, p. 1033; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 11, p. 646; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 12, p. 1163.]
Whenever it shall become impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the place designated therefor, the judges of election, after assembling and before receiving any vote, may adjourn to the nearest convenient place for holding the election, and at such adjourned place forthwith proceed with the election and the county clerk shall be notified of the change.
Upon adjourning any election, the judges shall cause proclamation thereof to be made, and shall post a notice upon the place where the adjournment was made from notifying electors of the change of polling place.
[34-1102, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 174, p. 351.]
(1) In the presence of bystanders the judges of elections shall break the sealed packages of election ballots and other supplies.
(2) Before receiving any ballots the judges shall open and exhibit, close and lock the ballot boxes, and thereafter they shall not be removed from the polling place until all ballots are counted. They shall not be opened until the polls are closed unless the precinct is using a duplicate set of ballot boxes.
[34-1103, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 175, p. 351; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 5, p. 737.]
Any judge may administer and certify any oath required to be administered during the progress of an election or challenge any elector.
[34-1104, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 176, p. 351.]
The judges of election may appoint some capable person to act as election constable during the election, and he shall have the power to make arrests for disturbance of the peace, as provided by law for constables, and he shall allow no one within the voting area except those who go to vote, and shall allow but one elector in a compartment at one time. He shall remain and keep order at the polling place until all of the votes are tallied.
[34-1105, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 177, p. 351.]
(1) An elector desiring to vote shall state his name and address to the judge or clerk in charge of the combination election record and poll book.
(2) Before receiving his ballot, each elector shall sign his name in the combination election record and poll book following his name therein and show a valid photo identification as provided for in section 34-1113, Idaho Code, or personal identification affidavit as provided for in section 34-1114, Idaho Code.
(3) No person shall knowingly sign his name in the combination election record and poll book if his residence address is not within that precinct at the time of signing.
(4) If the residence address of a person contained in the combination election record and poll book is incorrectly given due to an error in preparation of the combination election record and poll book, the judge shall ascertain the correct address and make the necessary correction.
(5) The elector shall then be given the appropriate ballots which have been marked with the official election ballot identification and shall be given folding instructions for such ballots.
[34-1106, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 178, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 349, sec. 2, p. 1033; am. 2010, ch. 246, sec. 1, p. 634; am. 2013, ch. 285, sec. 6, p. 737.]
(1) A county may adopt the use of any electronic poll book that has been certified by the secretary of state for use in this state. A county that opts to use electronic poll books shall notify the secretary of state of that decision.
(2) The secretary of state shall develop and provide to each county that adopts the use of electronic polls books under subsection (1) of this section instructions, directives and advisories regarding the examination, testing and use of the electronic poll books.
[34-1106A, added 2015, ch. 282, sec. 6, p. 1149.]
On receipt of his ballot the elector shall retire to a vacant voting booth and mark his ballot according to the instructions provided by law.
After marking his ballot, the elector shall present himself to the judge at the ballot box and state his name and residence. The elector shall then deposit his ballot in the proper box or hand his ballot to the election judge, who shall deposit it. The judge shall then record that the elector has voted and proclaim the same in an audible voice.
[34-1107, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 179, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 129, sec. 1, p. 510; am. 1972, ch. 349, sec. 3, p. 1033; am. 1973, ch. 304, sec. 12, p. 646; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 6, p. 622.]
(1) If any registered elector is unable, due to physical or other disability, to enter the polling place, he may be handed a ballot outside the polling place but within forty (40) feet thereof by one (1) of the election clerks, and in his presence but in a secret manner, mark and return the same to such election officer who shall proceed as provided by law to record the ballot.
(2) If any registered elector, who is unable by reason of physical or other disability to record his vote by personally marking his ballot and who desires to vote, then and in that case such elector shall be given assistance by the person of his choice or by one (1) of the election clerks. Such clerk or selected person shall mark the ballot in the manner directed by the elector and fold it properly and present it to the elector before leaving the voting compartment or area provided for such purpose. The elector shall then present it to the judge of election in the manner provided above.
[34-1108, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 180, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 349, sec. 4, p. 1033; am. 1978, ch. 37, sec. 1, p. 66; am. 2010, ch. 235, sec. 19, p. 557.]
No person shall take or remove any ballot from the polling place. If an elector inadvertently or by mistake spoils a ballot, he shall return it folded to the distributing clerk, who shall give him another ballot. The ballot thus returned shall, without examination, be immediately cancelled by writing across the back, or outside of the ballot as folded, the words "spoiled ballot, another issued," and deposit the spoiled ballot in a box provided for that purpose.
[34-1109, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 181, p. 351.]
No judge or clerk shall communicate to anyone any information as to the name or number on the registry list of any elector who has not applied for a ballot, or who has not voted at the polling place; and no judge, clerk or other person whomsoever, shall interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, a voter when marking his ballot. No judge, clerk or other person shall, directly or indirectly, attempt to induce any voter to display his ticket after he shall have marked the same, or to make known to any person the name of any candidate for or against whom he may have voted.
[34-1110, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 182, p. 351.]
In case any person offering to vote is challenged one (1) of the judges must declare the qualifications of an elector to such person. If the person so challenged then declares himself duly qualified, and the challenge is not withdrawn, one (1) of the judges shall then tender him the elector’s oath, as prescribed by the secretary of state. No challenged elector shall have the right to vote until he has subscribed to the elector’s oath. Upon a challenged elector’s subscribing the elector’s oath, he shall be entitled to vote.
[34-1111, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 183, p. 351.]
The secretary of state shall prepare a handbook which sets forth the qualifications of an elector which shall aid the judges of election to determine whether a person is qualified to vote at the election.
A sufficient number of these handbooks shall be transmitted to each county clerk who shall provide each polling place with a sufficient number of copies.
[34-1112, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 184, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 349, sec. 5, p. 1033.]
All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places as required by section 34-1006, Idaho Code. The personal identification that may be presented shall be one (1) of the following:
(1) An Idaho driver’s license or identification card issued by the Idaho transportation department;
(2) A passport or an identification card, including a photograph, issued by an agency of the United States government;
(3) A tribal identification card, including a photograph; or
(4) A license to carry concealed weapons issued under section 18-3302, Idaho Code, or an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons issued under section 18-3302K, Idaho Code.
[34-1113, added 2010, ch. 246, sec. 2, p. 635; am. 2017, ch. 132, sec. 1, p. 310; am. 2023, ch. 27, sec. 1, p. 143.]
If a voter is not able to present personal identification as required in section 34-1113, Idaho Code, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The affidavit shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall require the voter to provide the voter’s name, address, and either the voter’s date of birth or the voter’s Idaho driver’s license or identification card number. The voter shall sign the affidavit. The judges of election shall verify the information against the voter registration records prior to issuing a ballot. Any person who knowingly provides false, erroneous, or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.
[34-1114, added 2010, ch. 246, sec. 3, p. 635; am. 2026, ch. 240, sec. 1, p. 1032.]
(1) When the polls are closed, the judges must immediately proceed to count the ballots cast at such election. The counting must be continued without adjournment until completed and the result declared.
(2) If the precinct has duplicate ballot boxes, the counting may begin after five (5) ballots have been cast. At this time, the additional clerks shall close the first ballot box and retire to the counting area and count the ballots. Upon completion of this counting, the clerks shall return the ballot box and then proceed to count all of the ballots cast in the second box during this period. This counting shall continue until the polls are closed, at which time all election personnel shall complete the counting of the ballots.
(3) The county clerk may designate paper ballots be returned to a central count location for counting by special counting boards. If the paper ballots are to be counted at a central count location, a procedure may be adopted to deliver the voted ballots to the county clerk prior to the closing of the polls. The results of this early count shall not be released to the public until after 8:00 p.m. of election day.
(4) After being counted, all ballots shall be sealed and stored until such time as the recount period has passed or a recount has been completed. Ballots may be unsealed and resealed as part of a postelection audit conducted pursuant to section 34-1203A, Idaho Code.
[34-1201, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 185, p. 351; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 11, p. 783; am. 2020, ch. 78, sec. 1, p. 168; am. 2022, ch. 32, sec. 1, p. 89.]
The counting must commence by comparison of the ballots and the poll lists from the commencement, and a correction of any mistake that may be found therein, until they are found to agree. The ballot box shall be opened and the ballots found therein counted by the judges, unopened and the number of ballots in the box must agree with the number marked in the poll book as having received a ballot, and this number, together with the number of spoiled ballots, must agree with the number of stubs or counterfoils in the books from which the ballots have been taken. If the number of ballots issued does not agree with the number of stubs or counterfoils, the election judges shall have authority to make any decision to correct the situation; but this shall not be construed to allow the judges to void all ballots cast at that polling place.
When duplicate ballot boxes are used in a precinct, the duties herein prescribed shall be done after all of the votes have been tallied.
[34-1202, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 186, p. 351; am. 1995, ch. 215, sec. 15, p. 753.]
At any bond election conducted by the state of Idaho, its agencies, institutions, political subdivisions and municipal and quasi-municipal corporations, any ballot or part of a ballot from which it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice shall be void and shall not be counted. It is hereby declared that any qualified elector casting such ballot or part of a ballot shall be deemed not to have voted at or participated in such bond election and such ballot or part of a ballot shall not be counted in determining the number of qualified electors voting at or participating in such bond election.
[34-1202A, added 1978, ch. 51, sec. 1, p. 96.]
(1) The ballots and polls lists agreeing, the election personnel shall then proceed to tally the votes cast. Under each office title, the number of votes for each candidate and such other information required by the secretary of state shall be entered in the tally books together with the total of the above figures in the manner prescribed by the secretary of state. Any ballot or part of a ballot from which it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice shall be void and shall not be counted. When a ballot is sufficiently plain to determine therefrom a part of the voter’s intention, it shall be the duty of the judges to count such part.
(2) Following the counting, the judges must transmit a copy of the results to the county clerk.
(3)(a) For any election in which at least one (1) office election or ballot question in the county occurs in both time zones in Idaho, the county clerk shall release no election results to the public until all voting places in the state have closed on election day.
(b) If no office election or ballot question in the county occurs in both time zones in Idaho, the county clerk may release the election results to the public at any time after all voting places in the county have closed on election day.
(4) The secretary of state shall issue directives or promulgate administrative rules adopting standards that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote for each category of voting system used in this state.
[34-1203, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 187, p. 351; am. 1981, ch. 109, sec. 1, p. 163; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 12, p. 186; am. 2016, ch. 272, sec. 1, p. 749; am. 2022, ch. 195, sec. 1, p. 642.]
(1)(a) After the completion of all county canvasses for any primary or general election, the secretary of state shall identify and order a postelection audit of certain paper ballots cast in any election, shall immediately post to the website of the office of the secretary of state a list of the elections, counties, and precincts selected for audit, and shall immediately notify each affected county clerk and county sheriff of the same. Upon receiving such notification, the county sheriff shall immediately impound and take into custody the affected ballots pursuant to the procedures in chapter 23, title 34, Idaho Code. Upon completion of the postelection audit, the ballots shall be resealed and returned to the custody of the county clerk or, in the event that the ballots are subject to a recount pursuant to chapter 23, title 34, Idaho Code, to the county sheriff. The postelection audit shall include, at a minimum, a hand recount of the ballots subject to the audit and a comparison to the results reported by the county for any precincts, days, batches, legislative districts, and tabulation machines selected for audit.
(b) A postelection audit authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection may be ordered for:
(i) Any or all federal elections held in Idaho;
(ii) The election for governor;
(iii) The statewide office election having the narrowest percentage margin of votes;
(iv) The statewide ballot question election having the narrowest percentage margin of votes; and
(v) One (1) legislative office election within the county.
(c) The precincts selected for audit pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection shall:
(i) Be selected by lot by the secretary of state without the use of a computer at an open public meeting governed by the provisions of chapter 2, title 74, Idaho Code; and
(ii) Not exceed five percent (5%) of the precincts in the county or one (1) precinct, whichever is greater. Provided, however, that multiple precincts may be selected in any county if the number of ballots from the precincts so selected is less than two thousand one hundred (2,100).
(d) The secretary of state, in lieu of auditing the early or absentee ballots from any precincts selected for postelection audit, may select days, batches, legislative districts, and tabulation machines of early or absentee ballots for audit until the number of ballots selected equals or exceeds the number of early or absentee ballots that were cast from the precincts selected for postelection audit. Such days, batches, legislative districts, and tabulation machines shall be selected under the same requirements by which precincts were selected. The provisions of this paragraph apply only to a county that:
(i) Does not organize the storage of its early or absentee ballots by precinct;
(ii) Organizes the storage of such ballots by day, batch, legislative district, or tabulation machine; and
(iii) Publicly reports the election results for early or absentee ballots by day, batch, legislative district, or tabulation machine on the county’s website prior to the secretary of state’s selection of precincts to be audited.
(2) The secretary of state shall conduct, and the county clerks shall facilitate, any postelection audit ordered pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. Such an audit shall be open to attendance by news media personnel. By directive issued at least sixty (60) days prior to the election, the secretary of state shall determine the procedures by which the postelection audit is to be conducted. Such procedures shall be developed in consultation with county clerks and shall include provisions allowing each interested candidate and political party, and each political committee that publicly reported expending money on a ballot question for which the results will be audited, to appoint a designated observer. Within the time specified in the directive, the secretary of state shall report the results of any postelection audits on the website of the office of the secretary of state and to the county clerk of each county in which paper ballots were audited.
(3) The secretary of state may order additional postelection audits, without regard to the election or precinct limitations provided in subsection (1) of this section, if he determines that such action is warranted by the findings of the audits ordered pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The secretary of state shall limit such orders for additional postelection audits to the types of problems identified by the audits performed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The office of the secretary of state shall pay for the cost of any postelection audits conducted pursuant to this section, including reimbursing county clerks for any costs associated with facilitating such audits.
[34-1203A, added 2022, ch. 32, sec. 2, p. 89; am. 2023, ch. 2, sec. 1, p. 3; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 15, p. 578.]
After the counting of the votes, the judges of the election shall enclose and seal the combination election record and poll book, tally books, all ballot stubs, unused ballot books, and other supplies in a suitable container and deliver them to the county clerk’s office. If the office of the county clerk is closed, the articles shall be delivered to the sheriff or one (1) of his deputies who shall deliver them to the county clerk no later than the day after the election.
[34-1204, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 188, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 193, sec. 1, p. 480.]
The county board of commissioners shall be the county board of canvassers and the county clerk shall serve as its secretary for this purpose. The county board of canvassers shall meet within nine (9) days after an election for the purpose of canvassing the election returns of all precincts within the county.
[34-1205, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 189, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 193, sec. 2, p. 480; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 15, p. 469; am. 2012, ch. 33, sec. 13, p. 104; am. 2015, ch. 292, sec. 9, p. 1171; am. 2023, ch. 208, sec. 16, p. 580; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 18, p. 609.]
The board shall examine and make a statement of the total number of votes cast for all candidates or special questions that shall have been voted upon at the election. The statement shall set forth the special questions and the names of the candidates for whom the votes have been cast. It shall also include the total number of votes cast for each candidate for office by precinct or polling location for elections conducted pursuant to chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code, and the total number of affirmative and negative votes cast for any special question by precinct or polling location for elections conducted pursuant to chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code. The board shall certify that such statement is true, subscribe their names thereto, and deliver it to the county clerk.
[34-1206, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 190, p. 351; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 7, p. 576.]
(1) After the canvass of the votes for each office, the board shall cause the county clerk to complete a canvass report, which shall then be signed by each member of the board. The canvass report shall be in a form and contain information as prescribed by the secretary of state and be uniform throughout the state. The canvass report shall also include the total number of votes cast for each candidate for office by county and legislative district, the total number of affirmative and negative votes cast for any special question, and any overvotes or undervotes cast by county.
(2) The county clerk shall forward to the secretary of state the completed and signed canvass report for all candidates for federal, state or district offices.
[34-1207, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 191, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 201, sec. 1, p. 716.]
Immediately after the primary election canvass the county clerk shall issue certificates of nomination to the political party candidates of each party who receive the highest number of votes for their particular county office, and the candidates so certified shall have their names placed on the general election ballot. On or before the eighth day after the primary election canvass, the county clerk shall issue certificates of election to the precinct committeemen of each political party who receive the highest number of votes in their precinct. Provided that to be elected, a precinct committeeman shall receive a minimum of five (5) votes. In the event no candidate receives the minimum number of votes required to be elected, a vacancy in the office shall exist and shall be filled as otherwise provided by law. The county clerk shall also certify by registered mail the results of the primary election to the secretary of state. The form for such certificate shall be prescribed by the secretary of state and be uniform throughout the state.
[34-1208, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 192, p. 351; am. 1975, ch. 174, sec. 18, p. 469; am. 1977, ch. 17, sec. 1, p. 35; am. 1979, ch. 309, sec. 11, p. 838; am. 1991, ch. 117, sec. 1, p. 246; am. 2012, ch. 33, sec. 14, p. 104.]
Immediately after the general election canvass, the county clerk shall issue a certificate of election to the county candidates who received the highest number of votes for that particular office and they shall be considered duly elected to assume the duties of the office for the next ensuing term.
[34-1209, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 193, p. 351.]
In the case of a tie vote between candidates at a primary election or general election, the interested candidates shall appear before the county clerk within two (2) days after the canvass and the tie shall be determined by a toss of a coin.
[34-1210, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 194, p. 351.]
The secretary of state, state controller and state treasurer shall constitute the state board of canvassers. The functions of the board shall be election functions, and the secretary of state shall be chairman of the board. The state board of canvassers shall meet within twenty-one (21) days after the primary election and within twenty-one (21) days after the general election in the office of the secretary of state for the purpose of complying with the provisions of sections 34-1212 and 34-1213, Idaho Code.
[34-1211, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 195, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 193, sec. 3, p. 480; am. 1974, ch. 5, sec. 1, p. 23; am. 1994, ch. 181, sec. 2, p. 576; am. 2024, ch. 201, sec. 2, p. 716.]
The board shall examine the canvass reports and make a statement of the total number of votes cast for all federal, state and district candidates or special questions that shall have been voted upon at the election. The statement shall set forth the special questions and the names of the candidates for whom the votes have been cast. It shall also include the total number of votes cast for each candidate for office by county and legislative district, the total number of affirmative and negative votes cast for any special question, and any overvotes or undervotes cast by county. The board shall certify that such statement is true, subscribe their names thereto, and deliver it to the secretary of state.
[34-1212, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 196, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 201, sec. 3, p. 716.]
After the examination of the canvass reports, the board shall make a statement of the total number of votes cast at any such election for all the candidates for federal, state or district offices, which statement shall show the names of the persons to whom such votes shall have been cast for the particular offices and the total number cast to each, distinguishing the several districts, counties and precincts in which they were given. They shall certify such statement to be correct and subscribe their names thereto.
[34-1213, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 197, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 201, sec. 4, p. 717.]
(1) Immediately after the primary election canvass, the secretary of state shall issue certificates of nomination to the political party candidates of each party who receive the highest number of votes for their particular federal, state or district office. The candidates so certified shall have their names placed on the general election ballot.
(2) Immediately after the primary election canvass, the secretary of state shall issue certificates of nomination to the nonpartisan candidate or candidates who receive the highest number of votes for the number of vacancies which are to be filled for a particular office and also to the same number of candidates who receive the second highest number of votes for the particular office. The candidates so certified shall have their names placed on the general election ballot. If it appears from the canvass that a particular candidate has received a majority of the total vote cast for the particular office, he shall be issued a certificate of election instead of a certificate of nomination and no candidates shall run for the particular office in the general election.
[34-1214, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 198, p. 351.]
Immediately after the general election canvass, the secretary of state shall issue certificates of election to the federal, state and district candidates who received the highest number of votes for the particular office and they shall be considered duly elected to assume the duties of the office for the next ensuing term.
[34-1215, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 200, p. 351.]
In the case of a tie vote between the candidates at a primary or general election, the interested parties or their authorized agents shall appear before the secretary of state within two (2) days after the canvass and the tie shall be determined by a toss of a coin.
[34-1216, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 201, p. 351.]
The board of county commissioners shall canvass the returns of the judicial nominating election at the time the returns of the primary election are canvassed, shall determine, and cause the county clerk to certify to the secretary of state, the result of said judicial nominating election. In such certificate the clerk shall set forth, following the name of each justice of the supreme court and each district judge for whom a successor is to be elected at the general election in that year, the vote received by each person who had declared himself to be, and who had been voted for as, a candidate to succeed such justice or district judge.
The returns so made to the secretary of state by the county clerk shall be canvassed by the state board of canvassers at the time the other returns of said primary election are canvassed.
If it appears to the state board of canvassers upon the official canvass that at such judicial nominating election any candidate received a majority of all the votes cast for candidates to succeed a particular justice of the supreme court or district judge, said board shall certify to the secretary of state as duly elected to such office the name of the candidate who received such majority and such candidate whose name is so certified shall receive and the secretary of state shall issue and deliver to him a certificate of election to such office and he shall not be required to stand for election at the general election following.
In the event no candidate received a majority of all votes cast for candidates to succeed a particular justice of the supreme court or a particular district judge, the two (2) candidates receiving the greater number of votes cast for all candidates to succeed such justice of the supreme court or such district judge shall be and shall be declared to be nominees to succeed such justice or such district judge and their names as such nominees shall be placed on the official judicial ballot at the general election next following. The secretary of state shall certify the names of such nominees, including with each the name of the incumbent in office whom such candidates were nominated to succeed, to the county clerks at the time he certifies the names of candidates for other offices certified by him; provided, however, if another be appointed to succeed the incumbent person named on such judicial nominating ballot, the secretary of state shall insert in such certificate or in amendment thereto the name of the appointee in the place of the name of the incumbent person named on such judicial nominating ballot.
[34-1217, added 1970, ch. 231, sec. 12, p. 643; am. 1971, ch. 131, sec. 1, p. 513.]
(1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the county clerk shall administer all elections on behalf of any political subdivision, subject to the provisions of this chapter, including all special district elections and elections of special questions submitted to the electors as provided in this chapter. Water districts governed by chapter 6, title 42, Idaho Code, recreational water and/or sewer districts as defined in section 42-3202A, Idaho Code, aquifer recharge districts governed by chapter 42, title 42, Idaho Code, ground water management districts governed by chapter 51, title 42, Idaho Code, ground water districts governed by chapter 52, title 42, Idaho Code, and irrigation districts governed by title 43, Idaho Code, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Municipal elections shall be conducted under the provisions of this chapter except for the specific provisions of chapter 4, title 50, Idaho Code. All school district and highway district elections shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code. All highway district and school district elections shall be administered by the clerk of the county wherein the district lies. Elections in a joint school district or other political subdivisions that extend beyond the boundaries of a single county shall be conducted jointly by the clerks of the respective counties, and the clerk of the home county shall exercise such powers as are necessary to coordinate the election. "Home county" shall be defined as the county in which the business office for the district or political subdivision is located.
(2) For the purposes of achieving uniformity, the secretary of state shall, from time to time, provide directives and instructions to the various county clerks. Unless a specific exception is provided in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern in all questions regarding the conduct of elections on behalf of all political subdivisions. In all matters not specifically covered by this chapter, other provisions of title 34, Idaho Code, governing elections shall prevail over any special provision which conflicts therewith.
(3) The county clerk shall conduct the elections for political subdivisions and shall perform all necessary duties of the election official of a political subdivision including, but not limited to, notice of the filing deadline, notice of the election, and preparation of the election calendar.
[34-1401, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 555; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 5, p. 1160; am. 1993, ch. 379, sec. 1, p. 1392; am. 1996, ch. 298, sec. 1, p. 977; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 59, p. 1032; am. 2010, ch. 185, sec. 9, p. 387; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 15, p. 32; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 3, p. 992.]
All electors must register with the county clerk before being able to vote in any primary, general, special or any other election conducted in this state. The county clerk shall determine, for each registered elector, the elections for which he is eligible to vote by a determination of the applicable code areas. The determination of tax code area shall be made for all political subdivisions including those otherwise exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
The county clerk shall conform to the provisions of chapter 4, title 34, Idaho Code, in the administration of registration for all political subdivisions within the county.
[34-1402, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 555; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 13, p. 187; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 12, p. 783.]
All elections conducted in this state on behalf of each political subdivision within the county shall be conducted in a uniform manner with regard to the qualifications of electors and shall be conducted on the dates as provided by law. In the event that a statute governing a political subdivision provides for qualifications more restrictive than the qualifications for an elector in section 34-402, Idaho Code, the election official of the district shall provide an elector’s oath to be executed at the time of the election certifying to the elector’s qualifications for the specific election.
[34-1403, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 556; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 6, p. 1160.]
(1) Candidates for election in any political subdivision shall be nominated by nominating petitions, each of which shall bear the name of the nominee, the office for which the nomination is made, the term for which nomination is made, and the signature of not less than five (5) electors of the candidate’s specific zone or district of the political subdivision and shall be filed with the county clerk.
(2) The clerk of each political subdivision shall provide to the county clerk an accurate and detailed map of all subdistricts of the political subdivision no later than January 1 of each year in which an election may be held.
(3) The form of the nominating petition shall be as provided by the county clerk and shall be uniform for all political subdivisions.
(4) The nomination petition shall be filed beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the twelfth Monday before the election and no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Friday before such election. The county clerk shall notify the clerk of the political subdivision of the filing and verify the qualifications of the nominees no more than five (5) days after the close of filing.
(5) Within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of such notification, the clerk of the political subdivision shall review and certify to the county clerk the nominees to be placed on the ballot of the political subdivision.
(6) Nominating petitions shall include campaign contact information for candidates, including phone numbers and email addresses.
(7) All information in nominating petitions shall be made publicly available upon request.
[34-1404, added 1993, ch. 313, sec. 8, p. 1161; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 60, p. 1033; am. 2010, ch. 185, sec. 10, p. 388; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 16, p. 33; am. 2014, ch. 162, sec. 3, p. 457; am. 2022, ch. 305, sec. 3, p. 965; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 19, p. 609; am. 2026, ch. 235, sec. 1, p. 1016.]
(1) Not more than fourteen (14) nor less than seven (7) days preceding the candidate filing deadline for an election, the county clerk shall cause to be published a notice of the forthcoming candidate filing deadline for all taxing districts. The notice shall include not less than the name of the political subdivision, the place where filing for each office takes place, and a notice of the availability of declarations of candidacy. The notice shall be published in the official newspaper of the political subdivision.
(2) The secretary of state shall compile an election calendar annually which shall include not less than a listing of the political subdivisions which will be conducting candidate elections in the forthcoming year, the place where filing for each office takes place, and the procedure for a declaration of candidacy. Annually in December, the county clerk shall cause to be published the election calendar for the county for the following calendar year. This publication shall be in addition to the publication required by paragraph (1) of this section. The election calendar for the county shall be published in at least two (2) newspapers published within the county, but if this is not possible, the calendar shall be published in one (1) newspaper which has general circulation within the county. Copies of the election calendar shall be available, without charge, from the office of the secretary of state or the county clerk.
[34-1405, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 556; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 9, p. 1161; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 61, p. 1034.]
A candidate for nomination or candidate for election to an office may withdraw from the election by filing a notarized statement of withdrawal with the officer with whom his declaration of candidacy was filed. The statement must contain all information necessary to identify the candidate and the office sought and the reason for withdrawal. A candidate may not withdraw later than 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before an election.
[34-1405A, added 2011, ch. 11, sec. 17, p. 33; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 12, p. 350; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 20, p. 610.]
The county clerk shall give notice for each political subdivision for any election by publishing such notice in the official newspaper of the county. The notice shall state the date of the election, the polling places, and the hours during which the polls shall be open for the purpose of voting. The first publication shall be made not less than twelve (12) days prior to the election, and the last publication of notice shall be made not less than five (5) days prior to the election. For each primary, general and special election, the county clerk shall cause to be published a facsimile, except as to size, of the sample ballot in at least two (2) newspapers published within the county, but if this is not possible, the sample ballot shall be published in one (1) newspaper published within the county or one (1) newspaper that has general circulation within the county. Such publication shall be in conjunction with the second notice of election required by this section. The political subdivision shall notify the county clerk in writing of the official newspaper of the political subdivision.
[34-1406, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 557; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 10, p. 1162; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 62, p. 1034; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 18, p. 34.]
(1) No write-in candidate for any nonpartisan elective office shall be counted unless a declaration of intent has been filed indicating that the person desires the office and is legally qualified to assume the duties of the office. The declaration of intent shall be filed with the clerk of the political subdivision by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before the date of the election.
(2) If the statutes governing elections within a specific political subdivision provide that no election shall be held in the event that no more than one (1) candidate has filed for an office, that statute shall be interpreted in such a manner as to allow for filing a declaration of intent for a write-in candidate until 5:00 p.m. on the ninth Friday before the election. However, if no candidate has filed within that time, no election shall be held for that political subdivision. The provisions of this section shall not apply to federal, state, or legislative district candidates in the primary election covered by the provisions of section 34-702A, Idaho Code.
[34-1407, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 557; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 11, p. 1162; am. 1997, ch. 362, sec. 1, p. 1070; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 19, p. 34; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 13, p. 350; am. 2020, ch. 69, sec. 5, p. 158; am. 2025, ch. 113, sec. 21, p. 610.]
Any registered elector may vote at any election by absentee ballot as provided in chapter 10, title 34, Idaho Code. In the event of a written application to the county clerk for an absentee ballot, the application shall be deemed to be an application for all ballots to be voted in the election, and the county clerk shall provide the ballot of the political subdivision to the elector.
[34-1408, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 558; am. 2010, ch. 185, sec. 11, p. 388.]
At all elections conducted by any political subdivision, the polls shall be opened at 8:00 a.m. and remain open until all registered electors of that precinct have appeared and voted or until 8:00 p.m. of the same day, whichever comes first. However, the election official may, at his option, open the polls in his jurisdiction at 7:00 a.m.
All political subdivisions conducting elections on the same date shall, whenever practicable, use the same polling places.
[34-1409, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 558.]
The board of county commissioners shall conduct the canvass of the election results within nine (9) days after the election, in the manner provided in chapter 12, title 34, Idaho Code. The county clerk shall certify the election results to the clerk of each political subdivision for which an election was held. Each political subdivision shall issue the appropriate certificates of election.
[34-1410, added 1992, ch. 176, sec. 4, p. 558; am. 2010, ch. 185, sec. 12, p. 389; am. 2011, ch. 11, sec. 20, p. 34; am. 2026, ch. 286, sec. 3, p. 1203.]
(1) On and after January 1, 2011, no county shall charge any taxing district, as defined in section 63-201, Idaho Code, for expenses associated with conducting any election on behalf of any taxing district, with the exception of expenses associated with conducting municipal runoff elections, which shall be paid by the city adopting runoff elections pursuant to the provisions of section 50-612 or 50-707B, Idaho Code. Expenses associated with conducting taxing district elections shall include:
(a) Costs of ballot preparation, distribution, printing and counting, including absentee ballots.
(b) Costs of printing poll books and costs of tally books, stamps, signs and any other voting supplies, publications and equipment.
(c) Wages or other compensation for election judges and clerks or any county employees or officials performing duties associated with conducting taxing district elections.
(d) Costs paid for renting polling facilities.
(e) Acquisition, repair, maintenance or any other costs associated with voting machines or vote tally systems as defined in section 34-2401, Idaho Code.
(f) Costs of publishing and printing election notices and ballots.
(2) Counties shall not be responsible for any election expenses prior to the time any taxing district orders an election, such as notice and costs for public hearings and notice and costs for public hearings on ballot measures.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, all ballot questions shall be limited to two hundred fifty (250) words or less. If a ballot question is in excess of two hundred fifty (250) words, the entity proposing a ballot question that is not a state constitutional amendment shall be required to pay the ballot printing costs associated with the ballot question.
[34-1411, added 2009, ch. 341, sec. 63, p. 1035; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 14, p. 907.]
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, whenever a member of the governing board of a taxing district has been elected to a term of office that goes beyond the next election date as provided by statute, such member of the governing board shall be entitled to serve his or her term of office and shall continue to serve until the following election provided by statute. All governing board members elected on and after January 1, 2011, shall serve terms of office beginning and ending as otherwise provided by statute.
[34-1412, added 2011, ch. 11, sec. 21, p. 34.]
Any county that wishes to modify voting procedures for a political subdivision election shall submit an election plan to the secretary of state for approval for the modified voting procedures to be effective at least forty (40) calendar days prior to an election. The secretary of state shall notify the political subdivision of its approval, disapproval and, if it is disapproved, what remedial measures may be taken that would allow for approval of the voting plan.
[34-1413, added 2011, ch. 285, sec. 13, p. 783; am. 2014, ch. 162, sec. 4, p. 457.]
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing body of any political subdivision that contains no more than one hundred forty (140) registered voters at the last general election may apply to the appropriate board of county commissioners for a determination that the election of the members of the political subdivision’s governing body may be held at large instead of by district zones or subdistricts. The board of county commissioners shall make the determination whether to permit the election of the political subdivision’s governing body to be elected at large and the county clerk shall provide notice of the board’s decision to the affected electors at least ninety (90) days before the next general election. If the board of county commissioners approves the request for an at-large election, the approval shall apply to future elections until revoked by the board of county commissioners.
[34-1414, added 2021, ch. 70, sec. 1, p. 252.]
Any city or special district subject to the provisions of this chapter whose governing body members are elected by separate zones, districts, or subdistricts shall notify the county clerk of any approved changes in the boundaries of such zones, districts, or subdistricts within thirty (30) days after the approval of such changes or within thirty (30) days prior to the filing deadline for candidates for the governing body, whichever is earlier.
[34-1415, added 2022, ch. 257, sec. 1, p. 837.]
The secretary of state shall prepare lists of the names of the electors of president and vice-president of the United States, elected at any election, procure thereto the signature of the governor, affix the seal of the state to the same, and deliver one (1) of such certificates thus signed to each of said electors on or before the second Wednesday in December next after such election.
[(34-1501) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 110; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 101; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 459; C.S., sec. 643; I.C.A., sec. 33-1401.]
There shall be an election held in this state for the election of such electors, at the times appointed by any law of the Congress or the Constitution of the United States for such election, and when such election shall be special, the same shall be called and held, and the votes polled and canvassed, in all respects as at a general election, and the duties of the electors so elected shall be the same as prescribed by law for electors elected at a general election.
[(34-1502) 1890-1891, p. 57, latter part of sec. 115; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 102; am. R.C. & C.L., sec. 460; C.S., sec. 644; I.C.A., sec. 33-1402.]
The electors chosen to elect a president and vice-president of the United States shall, at twelve (12) o’clock noon on the day which is or may be directed by the Congress of the United States, meet at the seat of government of this state, and then and there perform the duties enjoined upon them by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
[(34-1503) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 111; reen. 1899, p. 66, sec. 1; am. R.C. & C.L., sec. 461; C.S., sec. 645; I.C.A., sec. 33-1403.]
Each elector of president and vice-president of the United States shall, before the hour of twelve (12) o’clock on the day next preceding the day fixed by the law of Congress to elect a president and vice-president, give notice to the governor that he is at the seat of government and ready at the proper time to perform the duties of an elector; and the governor shall forthwith deliver to the electors present a certificate of all the names of the electors; and if any elector named therein fails to appear before nine (9) o’clock on the morning of the day of election of president and vice-president as aforesaid, the electors then present shall immediately proceed to elect, by ballot, in the presence of the governor, persons to fill such vacancies.
[(34-1504) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 112; reen. 1899, p. 66, sec. 2; am. R.C. & C.L., sec. 462; C.S., sec. 646; I.C.A., sec. 33-1404.]
If more than the number of persons required to fill the vacancies, as aforesaid, have the highest and an equal number of votes, then the governor, in the presence of the electors attending, shall decide by lot which of said persons shall be elected; otherwise they, to the number required, having the greatest number of votes, shall be considered elected to fill such vacancies.
[(34-1505) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 113; reen. 1899, p. 66, sec. 3; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 463; C.S., sec. 647; I.C.A., sec. 33-1405.]
Immediately after such choice is made the names of the persons so chosen shall forthwith be certified to the governor by the electors making such choice; and the governor shall cause immediate notice to be given in writing to the electors chosen to fill such vacancies; and the said persons so chosen shall be electors, and shall meet the other electors at the same time and place, and then and there discharge all and singular the duties enjoined on them as electors aforesaid by the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state.
[(34-1506) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 114; reen. 1899, p. 66, sec. 4; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 464; C.S., sec. 648; I.C.A., sec. 33-1406.]
Every elector of this state for the election of president and vice president of the United States, hereafter elected, who shall attend and give his vote for those offices at the time and place appointed by law, shall be compensated as provided by section 59-509(d), Idaho Code.
[(34-1507) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 115; reen. 1899, p. 66, sec. 5; am. R.C. & C.L., sec. 465; C.S., sec. 649; I.C.A., sec. 33-1407; am. 1980, ch. 247, sec. 28, p. 601.]
The following public officers, whether holding their elective office by election or appointment, and none other, are subject to recall:
(1) State officers:
(a) The governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, state controller, state treasurer, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction;
(b) Members of the state senate, and members of the state house of representatives.
(2) County officers:
(a) The members of the board of county commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, assessor, prosecuting attorney, clerk of the district court, and coroner.
(3) City officers:
(a) The mayor;
(b) Members of the city council.
(4) Special district elected officers for whom recall procedure is not otherwise provided by law.
[I.C., sec. 34-1701, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 1, p. 302; am. 1994, ch. 181, sec. 3, p. 577; am. 1995, ch. 266, sec. 1, p. 849.]
A petition for recall of an officer shall be instituted by filing with the appropriate official a verified written petition requesting such recall.
(1) If the petition seeks recall of any of the officers named in subsection (1)(a) of section 34-1701, Idaho Code, the petition shall be filed with the secretary of state and must be signed by registered electors equal in number to twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote at the last general election held to elect a governor.
(2) If the petition seeks recall of any of the officers named in subsection (1)(b) of section 34-1701, Idaho Code, the petition shall be filed with the secretary of state and must be signed by registered electors of the legislative district equal in number to twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote at the last general election held in the legislative district at which the member was elected.
(3) If the petition seeks recall of any of the officers named in subsection (2)(a) of section 34-1701, Idaho Code, the petition shall be filed with the county clerk and must be signed by registered electors of the county equal in number to twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote at the last general election held in the county for the election of county officers at which the officer was elected.
(4) If the petition seeks recall of any of the officers named in subsection (3) of section 34-1701, Idaho Code, the petition shall be filed with the county clerk and must be signed by registered electors of the city equal in number to twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote at the last general city election held in the city for the election of officers. For cities that elect council members based on districts, pursuant to section 50-707A, Idaho Code, the petition shall be signed by registered electors residing within the district in which the electors are eligible to vote for the official equal in number to twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote at the last election for the district in which the recall is sought. If the city is located in two (2) or more counties, the clerk in each county shall perform the functions within that county as provided in section 34-1401, Idaho Code.
(5) If the petition seeks recall of any of the officers named in subsection (4) of section 34-1701, Idaho Code, the petition shall be filed with the county clerk of the county wherein the district is located. If the district is located in two (2) or more counties, the clerk in each county shall perform the functions within that county. The petition must be signed by registered electors residing within the district, subdistrict, or zone in which the electors are eligible to vote for the official, equal in number to fifty percent (50%) of the number of electors who cast votes in the last election within the district, subdistrict, or zone. If no such election has been held in the last six (6) years, the petition must be signed by twenty percent (20%) of the number of electors registered to vote in the district, subdistrict, or zone in which the electors are eligible to vote for the official, as calculated at the time the petition is filed.
[34-1702, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1995, ch. 266, sec. 2, p. 849; am. 2003, ch. 57, sec. 1, p. 201; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 8, p. 576; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 4, p. 993; am. 2022, ch. 228, sec. 1, p. 747; am. 2025, ch. 205, sec. 1, p. 929.]
(1) The recall petition for state officers other than members of the state legislature shall be in substantially the following form:
RECALL PETITION
To the Honorable…., Secretary of State for the State of Idaho:
We, the undersigned citizens and registered electors of the State of Idaho respectfully demand that…., holding the office of…., be recalled by the registered electors of this state for the following reasons (setting out the reasons for recall in no more than 200 words):
that a special election therefor be called; that we, each for himself say: I am a registered elector of the State of Idaho; my residence, address including county, and the date I signed this petition are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed Name | Residence | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street and | ||||
| Number |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
(2) The recall petition for members of the state legislature shall be in substantially the following form:
RECALL PETITION
To the Honorable…., Secretary of State for the State of Idaho:
We, the undersigned citizens and registered electors of Legislative District No….., respectfully demand that…., holding the office of…., be recalled by the registered electors of Legislative District No….. for the following reasons (setting out the reasons for recall in no more than 200 words):
that a special election therefor be called; that we, each for himself say: I am a registered elector of Legislative District No….., my residence, address including county, and the date I signed this petition are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed Name | Residence | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street and | ||||
| Number |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
(3) The recall petition for county officers shall be in substantially the following form:
RECALL PETITION
To the Honorable…., County Clerk for the County of….:
We, the undersigned citizens and registered electors of the County of…., respectfully demand that…., holding the office of…., of the County of…., be recalled by the registered electors of the County of…. for the following reasons (setting out the reasons for recall in no more than 200 words):
that a special election therefor be called; that we, each for himself say: I am a registered elector of the County of…., my residence, address including county, and the date I signed this petition are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed Name | Residence | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street and | ||||
| Number |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
(4) The recall petition for city officers shall be in substantially the following form:
RECALL PETITION
To the Honorable…., County Clerk for the County of….:
We, the undersigned citizens and registered electors of the City of…., respectfully demand that…., holding the office of…., of the City of…., be recalled by the registered electors of the City of…. for the following reasons (setting out the reasons for recall in no more than 200 words):
that a special election therefor be called; that we, each for himself say: I am a registered elector of the City of…., my residence, address including county, and the date I signed this petition are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed Name | Residence | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street and | ||||
| Number |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
(5) The recall petition for special district officers shall be in substantially the following form:
RECALL PETITION
To the Honorable…., County Clerk of the County of….:
We, the undersigned citizens and registered electors of (here insert the official name of the district), respectfully demand that…., holding the office of…, of the (district), be recalled by the registered electors of the (district) for the following reasons (insert the reasons for the recall in two hundred (200) words or less):
that a special election therefor be called, that we, each for himself say: I am a registered elector of the (district), my residence, address including county, and the date I signed this petition are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed Name | Residence | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street and | ||||
| Number |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
[34-1703, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1989, ch. 344, sec. 1, p. 868; am. 1995, ch. 266, sec. 3, p. 850; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 5, p. 311; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 14, p. 351; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 5, p. 994.]
(1) Before or at the time of beginning to circulate any petition for the recall of any officer subject to recall, the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the recall petition is to be circulated shall send or deliver to the secretary of state or county clerk, as the case may be, a copy of a prospective petition duly signed by at least twenty (20) electors eligible to sign such petition. The receiving officer shall immediately examine the petition and specify the form and kind and size of paper on which the petition shall be printed and circulated for further signatures. All petitions and signature sheets for recall shall be printed on a good quality bond paper of standardized size in substantial conformance within the provisions of section 34-1703, Idaho Code. To every sheet of petitioners’ signatures shall be attached a full and correct copy of the recall petition.
(2) The secretary of state or county clerk, as the case may be, shall indicate in writing on the prospective recall petition that he has approved it as to form and the date of such approval. Upon approval as to form, the secretary of state or county clerk shall inform the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the recall petition is to be circulated, in writing, that the petition must be perfected with the required number of signatures within seventy-five (75) days following the date of approval as to form. Signatures on the prospective petition shall not be counted toward the required number of signatures. Any petition that does not contain the required number of signatures within the seventy-five (75) days allowed shall be declared null and void ab initio in its entirety.
[34-1704, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 2, p. 302; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 1, p. 533; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 6, p. 313; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 6, p. 996.]
Each and every signature sheet of each petition containing signatures shall be verified on the face thereof in substantially the following form by the person who circulated said sheet of the petition, by his or her affidavit thereon, as a part thereof:
State of Idaho
ss.
County of
I, …., swear, under penalty of perjury, that I am a resident of the State of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age; and that every person who signed this sheet of the foregoing petition signed his or her name thereto in my presence. I believe that each has stated his or her name and the accompanying required information on the signature sheet correctly, and that the person was eligible to sign this petition.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this …. day of …., …..
(Notary Seal)
[34-1705, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 2, p. 534.]
All petitions with attached signature sheets shall be filed on the same day with the secretary of state or county clerk, as the case may be. The secretary of state shall promptly transmit the petitions and attached signature sheets to the appropriate county clerks. An examination to verify whether or not the petition signers are qualified electors shall be conducted by the county clerk and a certificate shall be attached to the signature sheets as provided in section 34-1807, Idaho Code. This examination shall not exceed fifteen (15) business days from the date of receipt of the petitions.
[34-1706, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 3, p. 302; am. 1995, ch. 266, sec. 4, p. 852; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 3, p. 535; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 7, p. 313; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 7, p. 996.]
(1) In the event that a petition filed with the secretary of state is found by the secretary of state to contain the required number of certified signatures, the secretary of state shall promptly provide written notice to the officer being recalled and the petitioner that the recall petition is in proper form. If the officer being recalled is the secretary of state, the governor shall also be notified.
(a) If the officer being recalled resigns his office within five (5) business days after notice from the secretary of state, his resignation shall be accepted and the resignation shall take effect on the day it is offered, and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law.
(b) If the officer being recalled does not resign his office within five (5) business days after notice from the secretary of state, a special election shall be ordered by the secretary of state, unless he is the officer being recalled, in which event the governor shall order such special election. The special election must be held on the date prescribed in section 34-106, Idaho Code. If the officer being recalled is one (1) specified in section 34-1701(1)(a), Idaho Code, the special election shall be conducted statewide. If the officer being recalled is one (1) specified in section 34-1701(1)(b), Idaho Code, the special election shall be conducted only in the legislative district.
(2) In the event that a petition filed with the county clerk is found by the county clerk to contain the required number of certified signatures, the county clerk shall promptly provide written notice to the officer being recalled and the petitioner that the recall petition is in proper form. If the officer being recalled is the county clerk, the secretary of state shall also be notified.
(a) If the officer being recalled resigns his office within five (5) business days after notice from the county clerk, his resignation shall be accepted and the resignation shall take effect on the day it is offered, and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law.
(b) If the officer being recalled does not resign his office within five (5) business days after notice from the county clerk, a special election shall be ordered by the county clerk, unless the county clerk is the officer being recalled, in which event the secretary of state shall order the special election. The special election must be held on the date prescribed in section 34-106, Idaho Code. The special election shall be conducted countywide.
(3) In the event that a petition filed with the county clerk concerning the recall of an official of a city or special district is found by the county clerk to contain the required number of certified signatures, the county clerk shall promptly provide written notice to the officer being recalled, the petitioner, and the governing board of the city or special district that the recall petition is in proper form.
(a) If the officer being recalled resigns his office within five (5) business days after notice from the county clerk, his resignation shall be accepted and the resignation shall take effect on the day it is offered, and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law.
(b) If the officer being recalled does not resign his office within five (5) business days after notice from the county clerk, a special election shall be ordered by the county clerk. The special election must be held on the date prescribed in section 34-106, Idaho Code. The election shall be conducted by the county clerk in the manner provided in section 34-1401, Idaho Code.
(4) In the event that a petition is found not to have the required number of signatures, the officer shall continue in office and no new recall petition may be circulated for a period of ninety (90) days against the same officer.
[34-1707, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 4, p. 309; am. 1989, ch. 344, sec. 2, p. 869; am. 1993, ch. 313, sec. 13, p. 1163; am. 1994, ch. 54, sec. 6, p. 95; am. 1995, ch. 266, sec. 5, p. 854; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 4, p. 537; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 9, p. 577; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 8, p. 313; am. 2020, ch. 81, sec. 1, p. 172; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 8, p. 996.]
The ballot at any recall election shall be headed "RECALL BALLOT" and on the ballot shall be printed in not more than two hundred (200) words the reason for demanding the recall of the officer named in the recall petition, and in not more than two hundred (200) words the officer’s justification of his course in office. Then the question of whether the officer should be recalled shall be placed on the ballot in a form substantially similar to the following:
□ FOR recalling ….. who holds office of ….
□ AGAINST recalling ….. who holds office of ….
[I.C., sec. 34-1708, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1989, ch. 344, sec. 3, p. 871.]
The officer named in the recall petition shall continue to perform the duties of his office until the results of the special recall election are officially proclaimed.
[34-1709, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 9, p. 997.]
Special elections for the recall of an officer shall be conducted and the results thereof canvassed and certified in all respects as general elections, except as otherwise provided. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the holding of a recall election with another election.
[I.C., sec. 34-1710, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1989, ch. 344, sec. 4, p. 872; am. 1995, ch. 118, sec. 46, p. 467.]
(1) The board of county commissioners shall act as the board of canvassers for all special recall elections that involve elections held wholly or partly within their county.
(a) For all special recall elections involving state officers, the board of county commissioners shall meet within ten (10) days after said election to canvass the votes cast at such election, and shall immediately transmit to the secretary of state an abstract of the votes cast.
(b) Within fifteen (15) days following the special recall election held to recall a state officer, the state board of canvassers shall meet and canvass the votes cast at such election, and the secretary of state shall immediately after the completion thereof, proclaim the results.
(c) For all special recall elections involving county officers, the board of county commissioners shall meet within ten (10) days after said election to canvass the votes cast at such election, and the county clerk shall immediately after the completion thereof, proclaim the results.
(d) For all special recall elections involving city or special district officials, the board of county commissioners shall meet within ten (10) days after said election to canvass the votes cast at such election, and the county clerk shall immediately after the completion thereof, proclaim the results. The county clerk shall certify the results of the recall election to the clerk of the political subdivision for which the election was held.
[34-1711, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 5, p. 539; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 9, p. 315.]
(1) The provisions relating to general elections, including the payment of expenses of conducting the recall election, shall govern special recall elections except where otherwise provided.
(2) Whenever a special recall election is ordered, notice must be issued in the same manner as for a general election.
(3) To recall any officer, a majority of the votes cast at the special recall election must be in favor of such recall, and additionally, the number of votes cast in favor of the recall must equal or exceed the votes cast at the last general election for that officer. If the officer was appointed or was not required to stand for election, then a majority of the votes cast in the recall election shall be the number necessary for recall.
(4) If recalled, an officer shall be recalled as of the time when the results of the special recall election are proclaimed, and a vacancy in the office shall exist.
(5) If an officer is recalled from his office the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by law for filling a vacancy in that office arising from any other cause.
[34-1712, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 5, p. 302; am. 2003, ch. 57, sec. 2, p. 202; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 10, p. 315.]
(1) No petition for a recall shall be circulated against any officer until he has actually held office under the current term for at least ninety (90) days.
(2) After one (1) special recall election, no further recall petition shall be filed against the same officer during his current term of office, unless the petitioners first pay into the public treasury which has paid such special recall election expenses the whole amount of the expenses for the preceding recall election. The specific reason for recall in one (1) recall petition for which an election has been held cannot be the basis for a second recall petition during that current term of office.
(3) The signer of any recall petition may remove his own name from the petition by crossing out, obliterating, or otherwise defacing his own signature at any time prior to the time when the petition is filed.
[34-1713, as added by 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1975, ch. 137, sec. 6, p. 302; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 6, p. 539; am. 2013, ch. 135, sec. 11, p. 316.]
(1) A person is guilty of a felony who:
(a) Signs any name other than his own to any recall petition;
(b) Knowingly signs his name more than once on the same recall petition;
(c) Knowingly signs his name to any recall petition for the recall of any state, county, city, or special district officer if he is not a registered elector;
(d) Willfully or knowingly circulates, publishes or exhibits any false statement or representation concerning the contents, purport or effect of any recall petition for the purpose of obtaining any signature to any such petition, or for the purpose of persuading any person to sign any such recall petition;
(e) Presents to any officer for filing any recall petition to which is attached, appended or subscribed any signature which the person so filing such petition knows to be false or fraudulent, or not the genuine signature of the person purporting to sign such petition, or whose name is attached, appended or subscribed thereto;
(f) Circulates or causes to circulate any recall petition, knowing the same to contain false, forged or fictitious names;
(g) Makes any false affidavit concerning any recall petition or the signatures appended thereto;
(h) Offers, proposes or threatens for any pecuniary reward or consideration:
(i) To offer, propose, threaten or attempt to sell, hinder or delay any recall petition or any part thereof or any signatures thereon;
(ii) To offer, propose or threaten to desist from beginning, promoting or circulating any recall petition;
(iii) To offer, propose, attempt or threaten in any manner or form to use any recall petition or any power of promotion or opposition in any manner or form for extortion, blackmail or secret or private intimidation of any person or business interest.
(2) A public officer is guilty of a felony who knowingly makes any false return, certification or affidavit concerning any recall petition, or the signatures appended thereto.
[34-1714, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 1972, ch. 382, sec. 1, p. 1114; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 10, p. 998.]
If the secretary of state or county clerk refuses to accept and file any petition for the recall of a public officer with the requisite number of eligible signatures, any citizen may apply within ten (10) business days after such refusal to the district court for a writ of mandamus to compel him to do so. If it shall be decided by the court that such petition is legally sufficient, the secretary of state or county clerk shall then accept and file the recall petition, with a certified copy of the judgment attached thereto, as of the date on which it was originally offered for filing in his office, except that the time limitations required by section 34-1704(2), Idaho Code, shall begin to run only as of the date of the court judgment, which shall be so stated in the judgment. On a showing that the petition is not legally sufficient, the court may enjoin the secretary of state or county clerk and all other officers from certifying or printing any official ballot for a recall election. All such suits shall be advanced on the court docket and heard and decided by the court as quickly as possible. Either party may appeal to the court of appeals within ten (10) business days after a decision is rendered. The district court of the state of Idaho in and for Ada County shall have jurisdiction in all cases involving the recall of state officers.
[34-1715, added 1972, ch. 283, sec. 3, p. 703; am. 2004, ch. 164, sec. 7, p. 540; am. 2021, ch. 325, sec. 11, p. 998.]
The legislature of the state of Idaho finds that there have been incidents of fraudulent and misleading practices in soliciting and obtaining signatures on initiative or referendum petitions, or both, that false signatures have been placed upon initiative or referendum petitions, or both, that difficulties have arisen in determining the identity of petition circulators and that substantial danger exists that such unlawful practices will or may continue in the future. In order to prevent and deter such behavior, the legislature determines that it is necessary to provide easy identity to the public of those persons who solicit or obtain signatures on initiative or referendum petitions, or both, and of those persons for whom they are soliciting and obtaining signatures and to inform the public concerning the solicitation and obtaining of such signatures. It is the purpose of the legislature in enacting this act to fulfill the foregoing statement of intent and remedy the foregoing practices.
[34-1801, added 1997, ch. 266, sec. 2, p. 758.]
(1) An initiative petition shall embrace only one (1) subject and matters properly connected with it.
(2) The following shall be substantially the form of petition for any law proposed by the initiative:
WARNING
It is a felony for anyone to sign any initiative or referendum petition with any name other than his own, or to knowingly sign his name more than once for the measure, or to sign such petition when he is not a qualified elector.
INITIATIVE PETITION
To the Honorable…., Secretary of State of the State of Idaho:
We, the undersigned citizens and qualified electors of the State of Idaho, respectfully demand that the following proposed law (setting out full text of measure proposed) shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the State of Idaho, for their approval or rejection at the regular general election, to be held on the…. day of…., A.D.,…., and each for himself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a qualified elector of the State of Idaho; my residence and legislative district are correctly written after my name.
| Signature | Printed | Residence | City | Date | Legislative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Street | District | |||
| and | Official | ||||
| Number | Use Only |
(Here follow no more than twenty numbered lines for signatures.)
(3) The petition for referendum on any act passed by the state legislature of the state of Idaho shall be in substantially the same form with appropriate title and changes, setting out in full the text of the act of the legislature to be referred to the people for their approval or rejection.
[(34-1801A) 34-1801, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 1, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 1, p. 67; am. and redesig. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 1, p. 757; am. 2013, ch. 214, sec. 1, p. 503; am. 2013, ch. 336, sec. 1, p. 873; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 15, p. 353; am. 2020, ch. 336, sec. 1, p. 977.]
Each city shall allow direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum. Cities shall follow the procedures set forth in this chapter subject to the following provisions:
(1) The city attorney shall perform the duties assigned to the attorney general.
(2) The city clerk shall perform those duties assigned to the secretary of state.
(3) City initiative and referendum elections shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years.
(4) An action brought pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, challenging the ballot title or short title shall be brought in the district court in the county in which the city is located.
(5) Pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, the city attorney shall prepare recommendations concerning revision of the initiative or referendum, issue a certificate of review to the city clerk, and shall prepare the ballot title and short title.
(6) To be eligible to sign a petition for city initiative or referendum, a person shall be a qualified elector of the city at the time of signing thereon.
(7) To perfect a petition for city initiative or referendum the petition shall have signatures from at least twenty percent (20%) of the total number of qualified electors voting in the last general city election in November of an odd-numbered year.
(8) The provisions of section 34-1805, Idaho Code, relating to the number of required signatures and geographic distribution of signatures shall not apply to city initiative or referendum.
(9) Any person who circulates a petition for city initiative or referendum shall be a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age, and pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, shall certify their belief that each signer of the petition is a qualified elector of the state of Idaho and the city.
(10) A copy of all petitions and signature sheets shall be kept by the city clerk as a public record.
(11) The prospective petition for referendum, as provided by section 34-1804, Idaho Code, shall be filed not more than sixty (60) days following publication of the adopted ordinance as provided by section 50-901, Idaho Code.
(12) The deadline for submission of signatures to the city clerk is one hundred eighty (180) days after the petitioners for initiative or referendum receive the official ballot title from the city clerk, or April 30 of the year of the initiative or referendum election, whichever is earlier.
(13) Petitioners must submit the signed initiative or referendum petitions to the county clerk for verification not later than the close of business on the first day of May in the year of the initiative or referendum election, or one hundred eighty (180) days after the petitioners receive the official ballot title from the city clerk, whichever is earlier.
(14) The county clerk has sixty (60) calendar days to verify the signatures as provided in subsection (3) of section 34-1802, Idaho Code.
(15) The city council shall have the option to adopt the ordinance proposed by initiative within thirty (30) days after the notification pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, provided that the petition has the required number of signatures. The city council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance within the thirty (30) day period, preceded by legal notice published once in the official city newspaper at least seven (7) days preceding the hearing. If the ordinance is not adopted by the council by the end of the thirty (30) day period, the initiative shall be put on the ballot.
(16) As provided by sections 34-1812A through 34-1812C, Idaho Code, a voters’ pamphlet shall be prepared by the city clerk.
(17) To be passed into law, an initiative or referendum shall be approved by a majority of the votes cast on the measure.
(18) The mayor shall issue the proclamation provided by section 34-1813, Idaho Code.
(19) The city clerk shall publish an ordinance adopted by initiative or referendum within thirty (30) days after the proclamation by the mayor provided in subsection (18) of this section.
(20) All city ordinances setting forth procedures for initiative or referendum are void on July 1, 2015.
(21) This section does not apply to bond elections.
(22) This section does not apply to any local zoning legislation including, but not limited to, ordinances required or authorized pursuant to chapter 65, title 67, Idaho Code.
[34-1801B, added 2015, ch. 285, sec. 2, p. 1157; am. 2018, ch. 238, sec. 2, p. 558.]
Each county shall allow direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum. Counties shall follow the procedures set forth in this chapter subject to the following provisions:
(1) The county prosecuting attorney shall perform the duties assigned to the attorney general.
(2) The county clerk shall perform those duties assigned to the secretary of state.
(3) County initiative and referendum elections shall be held pursuant to section 34-106(8), Idaho Code.
(4) Pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, the county prosecuting attorney shall prepare recommendations concerning revision of the initiative or referendum, issue a certificate of review to the county clerk and prepare the ballot title and short title.
(5) An action brought pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, challenging the ballot title or short title shall be brought in the district court of the county.
(6) To be eligible to sign a petition for county initiative or referendum, a person shall be a qualified elector of the county at the time of signing the petition.
(7) To perfect a petition for county initiative or referendum, the petition shall have signatures from at least twenty percent (20%) of the total number of qualified electors voting in the last general county election in November of an even-numbered year.
(8) The provisions of section 34-1805, Idaho Code, relating to the number of required signatures and geographic distribution of signatures shall not apply to a county initiative or referendum.
(9) Any person who circulates a petition for county initiative or referendum shall be a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age, and pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, shall certify his belief that each signer of the petition is a qualified elector of the state of Idaho and the county.
(10) A copy of all petitions and signature sheets shall be kept by the county clerk as a public record.
(11) The prospective petition for referendum, as provided by section 34-1804, Idaho Code, shall be filed no more than sixty (60) days following publication of the adopted ordinance as provided by section 31-715, Idaho Code.
(12) Petitioners must submit the signed initiative or referendum petitions to the county clerk for verification no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the petitioners receive the official ballot title from the county clerk, or one hundred eighty (180) days before the election at which the initiative or referendum is to be voted on, whichever is earlier.
(13) The county clerk has sixty (60) calendar days to verify the signatures as provided in section 34-1802(3), Idaho Code.
(14) The board of county commissioners shall have the option to adopt the ordinance proposed by initiative within thirty (30) days after the notification pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, provided that the petition has the required number of signatures. The board of county commissioners shall hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance within the thirty (30) day period, preceded by legal notice published once in the county at least seven (7) days preceding the hearing. If the ordinance is not adopted by the board of county commissioners by the end of the thirty (30) day period, the initiative shall be put on the ballot.
(15) As provided by sections 34-1812A through 34-1812C, Idaho Code, a voters’ pamphlet shall be prepared by the county clerk.
(16) To be passed into law, an initiative or referendum shall be approved by a majority of the votes cast on the measure.
(17) The board of county commissioners shall issue the proclamation provided by section 34-1813, Idaho Code.
(18) The county clerk shall publish an ordinance adopted by initiative or referendum within thirty (30) days after the proclamation by the board of county commissioners provided in subsection (17) of this section.
(19) All county ordinances setting forth initiative or referendum procedures are void on July 1, 2018.
(20) This section does not apply to bond elections.
(21) This section does not apply to zoning legislation including, but not limited to, ordinances required or authorized pursuant to chapter 65, title 67, Idaho Code.
[34-1801C, added 2018, ch. 238, sec. 4, p. 560.]
Each fire protection district and ambulance service district shall allow direct legislation by the people through the initiative to increase or decrease the property tax budget of the district. Such districts shall follow the procedures set forth in this chapter subject to the following provisions:
(1) The county prosecuting attorney of the county in which the district office is located shall perform those duties assigned to the attorney general.
(2) The district clerk shall perform those duties assigned to the secretary of state.
(3) District initiative elections shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years.
(4) Pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, the county prosecuting attorney of the county in which the district office is located shall prepare recommendations concerning revision of the initiative, shall issue a certificate of review to the district clerk, and shall prepare the ballot title and short title.
(5) An action brought pursuant to section 34-1809, Idaho Code, challenging the ballot title or short title shall be brought in the district court in the county in which the district office is located.
(6) To be eligible to sign a petition for a district initiative, a person shall be a qualified elector of the district at the time of signing thereon.
(7) To perfect a petition for a district initiative, the petition shall have signatures from at least twenty percent (20%) of the total number of qualified electors voting in the most recent general district election actually held in November of an odd-numbered year.
(8) The provisions of section 34-1805, Idaho Code, relating to the number of required signatures and geographic distribution of signatures shall not apply to district initiatives.
(9) Any person who circulates a petition for a district initiative shall be a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age and, pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, shall certify such person’s belief that each signer of the petition is a qualified elector of the state of Idaho and the district.
(10) A copy of all petitions and signature sheets shall be kept by the district clerk as a public record.
(11) The deadline for submission of signatures to the district clerk is one hundred eighty (180) days after the petitioners for initiative receive the official ballot title from the district clerk, or April 30 of the year of the initiative election, whichever is earlier.
(12) Petitioners must submit the signed initiative petitions to the county clerk for verification no later than the close of business on the first day of May in the year of the initiative election, or one hundred eighty (180) days after the petitioners receive the official ballot title from the district clerk, whichever is earlier.
(13) The county clerk shall have sixty (60) calendar days to verify the signatures as provided in section 34-1802(3), Idaho Code.
(14) The district board shall have the option to adopt the property tax budget reduction proposed by initiative within thirty (30) days after the notification pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, provided that the petition has the required number of signatures. The district board shall hold a public hearing on the proposed property tax budget reduction within the thirty (30) day period, preceded by legal notice published once in the district at least seven (7) days preceding the hearing. If the property tax budget reduction is not adopted by the district board by the end of the thirty (30) day period, the initiative shall be put on the ballot.
(15) As provided by sections 34-1812A through 34-1812C, Idaho Code, a voters’ pamphlet shall be prepared by the district clerk.
(16) To be passed into law, an initiative shall be approved by the same percentage of votes cast as required for the passage of a budget increase pursuant to section 63-802(1)(h), Idaho Code.
(17) The district board shall issue the proclamation provided by section 34-1813, Idaho Code.
(18) The district clerk shall notify the county clerk and the state tax commission of any property tax budget change, within thirty (30) days after:
(a) The proclamation by the district board provided in subsection (17) of this section; or
(b) The approval by the district board of a property tax budget reduction that obviates the need to place the initiative on the ballot pursuant to subsection (14) of this section.
(19) This section does not apply to bond elections.
[34-1801D, added 2026, ch. 316, sec. 1, p. 1264.]
(1) Except as provided in section 34-1804, Idaho Code, petitions for an initiative shall be circulated and signatures obtained beginning upon the date that the petitioners receive both the fiscal impact statement and the official ballot title from the secretary of state and extending eighteen (18) months from that date, or April 30 of the year of the next general election, whichever occurs earlier. The last day for circulating petitions and obtaining signatures shall be the last day of April in the year an election on the initiative will be held.
(2) The person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the measure is to be initiated shall submit the petitions containing signatures to the county clerk for verification pursuant to the provisions of section 34-1807, Idaho Code. The signatures required shall be submitted to the county clerk not later than the close of business on the first day of May in the year an election on the initiative will be held, or eighteen (18) months from the date the petitioner receives the official ballot title from the secretary of state, whichever is earlier.
(3) The county clerk shall, within sixty (60) calendar days of the deadline for the submission of the signatures, verify the signatures contained in the petitions, but in no event shall the time extend beyond the last day of June in the year an election on the initiative will be held.
(4) Initiative petitions with the requisite number of signatures attached shall be filed with the secretary of state not less than four (4) months before the election at which they are to be voted upon.
[34-1802, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 2, p. 431; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 3, p. 758; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 14, p. 784; am. 2020, ch. 317, sec. 1, p. 902.]
Referendum petitions with the requisite number of signatures attached, as verified by county clerks pursuant to section 34-1807, Idaho Code, shall be filed with the secretary of state not more than sixty (60) days after the final adjournment of the session of the state legislature that passed on the bill on which the referendum is demanded. All elections on measures referred to the people of the state shall be had at the biennial regular election. Any measure so referred to the people shall take effect and become a law when it is approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon, and not otherwise.
[34-1803, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 3, p. 431; am. 2021, ch. 262, sec. 4, p. 809.]
(1) The signer of any initiative or referendum petition may remove his or her own name from the petition by crossing out, obliterating or otherwise defacing his or her own signature at any time prior to the time when the petition is presented to the county clerk for signature verification.
(2) The signer of any initiative or referendum petition may have his or her name removed from the petition at any time after presentation of the petition to the county clerk but prior to verification of the signature, by presenting in writing or submitting electronically to the county clerk a signed statement that the signer desires to have his name removed from the petition. The statement shall contain sufficient information to clearly identify the signer. The county clerk shall immediately strike the signer’s name from the petition, and adjust the total of certified signatures on the petition accordingly. The statement shall be attached to, and become a part of the initiative or referendum petition.
(3) Each signature page of an initiative or referendum petition shall state that any person signing a petition may remove his signature pursuant to this section.
[34-1803B, added 1997, ch. 266, sec. 4, p. 759; am. 2020, ch. 336, sec. 2, p. 978.]
(1) Before or at the time of beginning to circulate any petition for the referendum to the people on any act passed by the state legislature of the state of Idaho, or for any law proposed by the initiative, the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the measure is to be referred or initiated shall send or deliver to the secretary of state a copy of such petition duly signed by at least twenty (20) qualified electors of the state, which shall be filed by said officer in his office, and who shall immediately transmit a copy of the petition to the attorney general for the issuance of the certificate of review as provided in section 34-1809, Idaho Code.
(2) In the case of an initiative petition, the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the measure is to be initiated shall propose a funding source for the cost of implementing the measure. The proposed funding source information shall accompany a copy of the initiative when the petition is initially filed with the secretary of state under subsection (1) of this section, and whenever the petition is circulated for signatures, but the proposed funding source information shall not formally be part of the initiative and shall have no binding effect. Upon receipt of the petition and the proposed funding source information, the secretary of state shall immediately transmit a copy of the petition and proposed funding source information to the division of financial management so that it may issue a statement of fiscal impact as provided in section 34-1812, Idaho Code. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a city or county ballot initiative.
(3) All petitions for the initiative and for the referendum and sheets for signatures shall be printed on a good quality of bond or ledger paper in the form and manner as approved by the secretary of state. To every sheet of petitioners’ signatures shall be attached a full and correct copy of the measure so proposed by initiative petition and a copy of the fiscal impact statement summary for the initiative, if applicable; but such petition may be filed by the secretary of state in numbered sections for convenience in handling. Every sheet of petitioners’ signatures upon referendum petitions shall be attached to a full and correct copy of the measure on which the referendum is demanded and may be filed in numbered sections in like manner as initiative petitions. Not more than twenty (20) signatures on one (1) sheet shall be counted. Each signature sheet shall contain signatures of qualified electors from only one (1) county.
[34-1804, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 4, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 2, p. 67; am. 2013, ch. 214, sec. 2, p. 504; am. 2013, ch. 336, sec. 2, p. 874; am. 2020, ch. 317, sec. 2, p. 903.]
(1) After the form of the initiative or referendum petition has been approved by the secretary of state as provided in sections 34-1801A through 34-1822, Idaho Code, the same shall be printed by the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the measure is to be referred or initiated and circulated in the several counties of the state for the signatures of legal voters.
(2) Before such petitions shall be entitled to final filing and consideration by the secretary of state, there shall be affixed thereto the signatures of legal voters equal in number to not less than six percent (6%) of the qualified electors at the time of the last general election in each of the thirty-five (35) legislative districts.
[34-1805, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 5, p. 431; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 5, p. 759; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 7, p. 622; am. 2013, ch. 214, sec. 3, p. 504; am. 2021, ch. 255, sec. 1, p. 786.]
When any such initiative or referendum petition shall be offered for filing the secretary of state shall detach the sheets containing the signatures and affidavits and cause them all to be attached to one or more printed copies of the measure so proposed by initiative or referendum petitions. The secretary of state shall file and keep such petitions as official public records. The secretary of state shall cause every such measure so approved by the people to be printed with the general laws enacted by the next ensuing session of the state legislature with the date of the governor’s proclamation declaring the same to have been approved by the people.
[34-1806, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 6, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 3, p. 68.]
(1) Any person who circulates any petition for an initiative or referendum shall be a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age.
(2)(a) Any person who accepts payment to circulate a petition for an initiative or referendum shall, prior to accepting a signature:
(i) Verbally notify any potential signatory that such person is accepting payment to gather signatures and provide the name of the person or entity providing payment to such person; and
(ii) Cause to be printed on each page of any petition for an initiative or referendum a prominent and legible declaration that such person is receiving payment in exchange for circulating the petition and the name of the person providing payment to such person.
(b) At all times a person is circulating a petition pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, such person shall wear a badge that is clearly visible to any potential signatory and that contains the words "paid petition circulator" on it.
(c) The Idaho secretary of state shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this subsection, which shall provide details regarding the font specifications that shall be required for the printed declaration required under paragraph (a)(ii) of this subsection and the specifications regarding font, shape, color, and size requirements for the badge required under paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(3) Each and every sheet of every such petition containing signatures shall be verified on the face thereof in substantially the following form, by the person who circulated said sheet of said petition, by his or her affidavit thereon, and as a part thereof:
(a) For persons not accepting payment for circulating a petition:
State of Idaho )
)ss.
County of…. )
I,…., being first duly sworn, say that I am a resident of the State of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age; that I have not and will not accept remuneration in any way related to the petition; that every person who signed this sheet of the foregoing petition signed his or her name thereto in my presence; that I believe that each has stated his or her name, address and residence correctly; and that each signer is a qualified elector of the State of Idaho and a resident of the county of…..
Subscribed and sworn to before me this…. day of…..
(Notary Seal)
(b) For persons accepting payment for circulating a petition:
State of Idaho )
)ss.
County of…. )
I,…., being first duly sworn, say that I am a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age; that every person who signed this sheet of the foregoing petition signed his or her name thereto in my presence, after I verbally notified each individual signer that I will receive payment in exchange for gathering the signatures on this sheet; I believe that each has stated his or her name, address and residence correctly; that each signer is a qualified elector of the State of Idaho and a resident of the county of…..
I am accepting payment for the circulation of the foregoing petition by…. and the address of such payor is…..
Subscribed and sworn to before me this…. day of…..
(Notary Seal)
(4) In addition to said affidavit, the county clerk shall carefully examine said petitions and strike from the petition any names for which he has determined that the name, address, or signature do not match and confirm that each name, address, and signature matches those of a qualified elector of the proper jurisdiction and that the petitions conform to all other provisions of this section. The county clerk shall attach to the signature sheets a certificate to the secretary of state substantially as follows:
State of Idaho )
)ss.
County of…. )
To the Honorable…., Secretary of State for the State of Idaho: I,…., County Clerk of…. County, hereby certify that…. signatures on this petition are those of qualified electors in Legislative District Number…..
(Seal of office)
(5) The county clerk shall deliver the petition or any part thereof to the person from whom he received it with his certificate attached thereto as above provided. The forms herein given are not mandatory and if substantially followed in any petition, it shall be sufficient, disregarding clerical and merely technical error.
(6) Any petition on which signatures are obtained by a person not a resident of the state of Idaho and at least eighteen (18) years of age shall be void. The definition of resident in section 34-107, Idaho Code, shall apply to the circulators of initiative and referendum petitions.
(7) Any signature that is not a physical signature, including an electronic signature, is void.
(8) Any petition for an initiative or referendum on which signatures are obtained that is circulated in violation of the disclosure provisions provided in subsection (2) of this section is void.
[34-1807, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 7, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 4, p. 68; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 6, p. 759; am. 1999, ch. 47, sec. 1, p. 109; am. 2013, ch. 214, sec. 4, p. 504; am. 2013, ch. 336, sec. 3, p. 874; am. 2021, ch. 262, sec. 5, p. 809; am. 2024, ch. 285, sec. 1, p. 973.]
If the secretary of state shall refuse to accept and file any petition for the initiative or for the referendum with the requisite number of signatures of qualified electors thereto attached, any citizen may apply, within ten (10) days after such refusal to the district court for a writ of mandamus to compel him to do so. If it shall be decided by the court that such petition is legally sufficient, the secretary of state shall then file it, with a certified copy of the judgment attached thereto, as of the date on which it was originally offered for filing in his office. On a showing that any petition filed is not legally sufficient, the court may enjoin the secretary of state and all other officers from certifying or printing on the official ballot for the ensuing election the ballot title and numbers of such measure. All such suits shall be advanced on the court docket and heard and decided by the court as quickly as possible. Either party may appeal to the Supreme Court within ten (10) days after a decision is rendered. The district court of the fourth judicial district of the state of Idaho in and for Ada County shall have jurisdiction in all cases of measures to be submitted to the qualified electors of the state at large.
[34-1808, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 8, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 5, p. 70.]
(1) After receiving a copy of the petition from the secretary of state as provided in section 34-1804, Idaho Code:
(a) The attorney general may confer with the petitioner and shall, within twenty (20) working days from receipt thereof, review the proposal for matters of substantive import and shall recommend to the petitioner such revision or alteration of the measure as may be deemed necessary and appropriate.
(b) The recommendations of the attorney general shall be advisory only and the petitioner may accept or reject them in whole or in part.
(c) The attorney general shall issue a certificate of review to the secretary of state certifying that he has reviewed the measure for form and style and that the recommendations thereon, if any, have been communicated to the petitioner, and such certificate shall be issued whether or not the petitioner accepts such recommendations. The certificate of review shall be available for public inspection in the office of the secretary of state.
(2) Within fifteen (15) working days after the issuance of the certificate of review, the petitioner, if he desires to proceed with his sponsorship, shall file the measure, as herein provided, with the secretary of state for assignment of a ballot title, and the secretary of state shall thereupon submit to the attorney general two (2) copies of the measure filed.
(a) Within ten (10) working days after receiving copies of the petition, the attorney general shall provide ballot titles as provided for in this subsection and return one (1) copy of the petition to the secretary of state, with its ballot title.
(b) A copy of the ballot title as prepared by the attorney general shall be furnished by the secretary of state with the approved form of any initiative or referendum petition, as provided herein, to the person or persons or organization or organizations under whose authority the measure is initiated or referred.
(c) The ballot titles shall be used and printed on the covers of the petition when in circulation; the short title shall be printed in type not less than twenty (20) points on the covers of all such petitions circulated for signatures.
(d) The ballot title shall contain:
(i) Distinctive short title not exceeding twenty (20) words by which the measure is commonly referred to or spoken of and which shall be printed in the foot margin of each signature sheet of the petition.
(ii) A general title expressing in not more than two hundred (200) words the purpose of the measure.
(iii) The ballot title shall be printed with the numbers of the measure on the official ballot.
(e) In making the ballot title, the attorney general shall, to the best of his ability, give a true and impartial statement of the purpose of the measure and in such language that the ballot title shall not be intentionally an argument or likely to create prejudice either for or against the measure.
(3) Any person dissatisfied with the ballot title or the short title provided by the attorney general for any measure may appeal to the supreme court by petition, praying for a different title and setting forth the reason why the title prepared by the attorney general is insufficient or unfair.
(a) No appeal shall be allowed from the decision of the attorney general on a ballot title unless made within twenty (20) days after the ballot title is filed in the office of the secretary of state; provided however, that this section shall not prevent any later judicial proceeding to determine the sufficiency of such title, nor shall it prevent any judicial decision upon the sufficiency of such title.
(b) A copy of every such ballot title shall be served by the secretary of state upon the person offering or filing such initiative or referendum petition, or appeal. The service of the ballot title may be by mail or electronic transmission and shall be made forthwith when it is received from the attorney general by the secretary of state.
(c) The supreme court shall thereupon examine said measure, hear argument, and in its decision thereon certify to the secretary of state a ballot title and a short title for the measure in accord with the intent of this section. The secretary of state shall print on the official ballot the title thus certified to him.
(4) Any qualified elector of the state of Idaho may, at any time after the attorney general has issued a certificate of review, bring an action in the supreme court to determine the constitutionality of any initiative.
[34-1809, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 9, p. 431; am. 1979, ch. 106, sec. 1, p. 340; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 6, p. 70; am. 1994, ch. 400, sec. 1, p. 1263; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 7, p. 760; am. 2003, ch. 147, sec. 1, p. 423; am. 2019, ch. 96, sec. 16, p. 353.]
(1) The secretary of state, at the time he furnishes to the county clerks of the several counties certified copies of the names of candidates for state and district offices shall furnish to each of said county clerks a certified copy of the ballot titles and numbers of the several measures to be voted upon at the ensuing general election, and he shall use for each measure the ballot title designated in the manner herein provided.
(a) Such ballot title shall not resemble, so far as to probably create confusion, any such title previously filed for any measure to be submitted at that election.
(b) The ballot shall include a clear and concise statement as to the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote, prepared jointly by the attorney general and secretary of state.
(2) The secretary of state shall number the measures consecutively beginning with number (1), in the order in which the measures were finally filed with the secretary. The measures shall be designated on the ballot as a "Proposition One," "Proposition Two," et cetera.
[34-1810, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 10, p. 431; am. 1988, ch. 48, sec. 7, p. 72; am. 2003, ch. 147, sec. 2, p. 425.]
The manner of voting upon measures submitted to the people shall be the same as is now or may be required and provided by law; no measure shall be adopted unless it shall receive an affirmative majority of the aggregate number of votes cast on such measure. If two (2) or more conflicting laws shall be approved by the people at the same election, the law receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be paramount in all particulars as to which there is a conflict, even though such law may not have received the greatest majority of affirmative votes. If two (2) or more conflicting amendments to the constitution shall be approved by the people at the same election, the amendment which receives the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be paramount in all particulars as to which there is a conflict, even though such amendment may not have received the greatest majority of affirmative votes.
[34-1811, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 11, p. 431.]
(1) After receiving a copy of an initiative petition from the secretary of state as provided in section 34-1804, Idaho Code, the division of financial management, in consultation with any other appropriate state or local agency, shall prepare an unbiased, good faith statement of the fiscal impact of the law proposed by the initiative. The division of financial management shall complete the initial fiscal impact statement and file it with the secretary of state’s office within twenty (20) working days of having received the initiative petition from the secretary of state’s office. The secretary of state shall immediately transmit a copy of the initial fiscal impact statement to the person or persons who filed the initiative petition pursuant to section 34-1804, Idaho Code.
(2) If the person or persons who filed the initiative petition modify the initiative petition pursuant to section 34-1809(2), Idaho Code, after receiving the certificate of review and initial fiscal impact statement, the secretary of state shall notify the division of financial management of the modified initiative petition. Within ten (10) working days, the division of financial management shall either submit an updated fiscal impact statement to the secretary of state’s office reflecting such modifications or notify the secretary of state that the modifications did not alter the fiscal impact of the law proposed by the initiative petition reflected in the initial fiscal impact statement.
(3) A fiscal impact statement shall describe any projected increase or decrease in revenues, costs, expenditures, or indebtedness that the state or local governments will experience if the ballot measure is approved by the voters. A fiscal impact statement shall include both immediate expected fiscal impacts and an estimate of any state or local government long-term financial implications. A fiscal impact statement must be written in clear and concise language and shall avoid legal and technical terms whenever possible. Where appropriate, a fiscal impact statement may include both estimated dollar amounts and a description placing the estimated dollar amounts into context.
(4) A fiscal impact statement must include both a summary of the fiscal impact statement, not to exceed one hundred (100) words, and a more detailed statement of fiscal impact that includes the assumptions that were made to develop the fiscal impact statement. When collecting signatures, a signature gatherer shall offer a copy of the fiscal impact statement summary, along with a copy of the initiative and the sponsor’s proposed funding source information, to the elector for review before signing.
(5) No later than July 20 in the year an initiative petition with the requisite number of signatures attached has been properly filed with the secretary of state pursuant to section 34-1802(4), Idaho Code, the division of financial management shall file with the secretary of state a final fiscal impact statement, updated with the most accurate and up-to-date information concerning the fiscal impact of the law proposed by such initiative petition. The secretary of state shall immediately transmit a copy of the final fiscal impact statement to the person or persons who filed the initiative petition pursuant to section 34-1804, Idaho Code.
(6) The final fiscal impact statement summary and the sponsor’s proposed funding source information shall also be published in the state voters’ pamphlet and on the official ballot. The final fiscal impact statement summary and the detailed fiscal impact statement pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and the sponsor’s proposed funding source information shall be made available to the public on the secretary of state’s website no later than August 1.
(7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a city or county ballot initiative.
[34-1812, added 2020, ch. 317, sec. 3, p. 903; am. 2025, ch. 305, sec. 1, p. 1299.]
Any voter or group of voters may on or before July 31 prepare and file an argument, not to exceed five hundred (500) words, for or against any measure. Such argument shall not be accepted unless accompanied by the name and address or names and addresses of the person or persons submitting it, or, if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name and address of the organization and the names and addresses of at least two (2) of its principal officers.
If more than one (1) argument for or more than one (1) argument against any measure is filed within the time prescribed, the secretary of state shall select one (1) of the arguments for printing in the voters’ pamphlets. In selecting the argument the secretary of state shall be required to give priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:
(1) The proponent of the initiative or referendum petition.
(2) Bona fide associations of citizens.
(3) Individual voters.
[34-1812A, added 1979, ch. 135, sec. 2, p. 430; am. 2025, ch. 305, sec. 2, p. 1300.]
When the secretary of state has received the arguments which will be printed in the voters’ pamphlet, the secretary of state shall immediately send copies of the arguments in favor of the proposition to the authors of the arguments against and copies of the arguments against to the authors of the arguments in favor. The authors may prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not exceeding two hundred and fifty (250) words. The rebuttal arguments must be filed no later than August 10. Rebuttal arguments shall be printed in the same manner as the direct arguments. Each rebuttal argument shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut.
[34-1812B, added 1979, ch. 135, sec. 3, p. 431; am. 2025, ch. 305, sec. 3, p. 1301.]
(1) Not later than September 25 before any regular general election at which an initiative or referendum measure is to be submitted to the people, the secretary of state shall cause to be printed a voters’ pamphlet which shall contain the following:
(a) A complete copy of the title and text of each measure with the number and form in which the ballot title thereof will be printed on the official ballot;
(b) A copy of the fiscal impact statement summary for a state measure;
(c) A copy of the sponsor’s proposed funding source information for a state measure; and
(d) A copy of the arguments and rebuttals for and against each state measure.
(2) The secretary of state shall mail or distribute a copy of the voters’ pamphlet to every household in the state. Sufficient copies of the voters’ pamphlet shall also be sent to each county clerk. The county clerk and the secretary of state shall make copies of the voters’ pamphlet available upon request.
(3) The voters’ pamphlet shall be printed according to the following specifications:
(a) The pages of the pamphlet shall be not smaller than 6 x 9 inches in size;
(b) It shall be printed in clear, readable type, no less than 10-point, except that the text of any measure may be set forth in no less than 7-point type;
(c) It shall be printed on a quality and weight of paper that, in the judgment of the secretary of state, best serves the voters;
(d) If the material described in subsection (1) of this section is combined in a single publication with constitutional amendments, the entire publication shall be treated as a legal notice.
[34-1812C, added 1979, ch. 135, sec. 4, p. 431; am. 1984, ch. 114, sec. 1, p. 258; am. 2020, ch. 317, sec. 4, p. 904.]
(1) The votes on measures and questions shall be counted, canvassed, and returned by the regular boards of judges, clerks, and officers, as votes for candidates are counted, canvassed, and returned, and the abstract made by the several county auditors of votes on measures shall be returned to the secretary of state on separate abstract sheets in the manner provided for abstract of votes for state and county officers. It shall be the duty of the secretary of state, in the presence of the governor, to proceed within thirty (30) days after the election, and sooner if the returns be all received, to canvass the votes given for each measure, and the governor shall forthwith issue his proclamation, giving the whole number of votes cast in the state for and against such measure and question and declaring such measures as are approved by a majority of those voted thereon to be in full force and effect as the law of the state of Idaho from the date of said proclamation for any referendum measure. The effective date for an initiative measure shall be governed by the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. If two (2) or more measures shall be approved at said election which are known to conflict with each other or to contain conflicting provisions, he shall also proclaim which is paramount in accordance with the provisions of sections 34-1801 through 34-1822, Idaho Code.
(2)(a) A statewide initiative may contain an effective date, if passed, that shall be no earlier than July 1 of the year following the vote on the ballot initiative. If no effective date is specified in the petition, the effective date of a statewide initiative that has been approved by the electorate shall be July 1 of the following year.
(b) A city or county initiative may contain an effective date, if passed, that may be earlier than July 1 of the year following the vote on the ballot initiative, but no earlier than the mayor’s proclamation as provided in section 34-1801B, Idaho Code, or the proclamation by the board of county commissioners, as provided in section 34-1801C, Idaho Code. If no effective date is specified in the petition, the effective date of a city or county initiative that has been approved by the electorate shall be July 1 of the following year.
[34-1813, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 13, p. 431; am. 2020, ch. 336, sec. 3, p. 978.]
Every person who is a qualified elector of the state of Idaho may sign a petition for the referendum or for the initiative for any measure which he is legally entitled to vote upon. Any person signing any name other than his own to any petition, or knowingly signing his name more than once for the same measure at one election, or who is not at the time of signing the same a legal voter of this state, or any officer or person wilfully violating any provision of this statute, shall, upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the penitentiary not exceeding two (2) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court before which such conviction shall be had. Any such wrongful signatures are null and void and shall not be counted as a qualified signature. Any person circulating a petition, who knows, or who in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that a signature is forged and who shall thereafter fail to strike through and thereby void such signature, and any person in a position of supervision of such person who suffers or permits a forged signature to remain on a petition shall pay a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each such signature.
[34-1814, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 14, p. 431; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 8, p. 762.]
It shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully or knowingly circulate, publish or exhibit any false statement or representation, whether spoken or written, or to fail to disclose any material provision in a petition, concerning the contents, purport or effect of any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801A through 34-1822, Idaho Code, for the purpose of obtaining any signature to any such petition, or for the purpose of persuading any person to sign any such petition. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or obtain any signature on a petition without first showing the signer both the short title and the general title as defined in section 34-1809, Idaho Code, so that the signer has an opportunity to read them before signing the petition.
Any signature obtained without compliance with this section is null and void.
[34-1815, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 15, p. 431; am. 1997, ch. 266, sec. 10, p. 763.]
It shall be unlawful for any person to file in the office of any officer provided by law to receive such filing any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, to which is attached, appended or subscribed any signature which the person so filing such petition knows to be false or fraudulent or not the genuine signature of the person purporting to sign such petition, or whose name is attached, appended or subscribed thereto.
[34-1816, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 16, p. 431.]
It shall be unlawful for any person to circulate or cause to be circulated any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, knowing the same to contain false, forged or fictitious names.
[34-1817, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 17, p. 431.]
It shall be unlawful for any person to make any false affidavit concerning any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, or the signatures appended thereto.
[34-1818, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 18, p. 431.]
It shall be unlawful for any public official or employee knowingly to make any false return, certification or affidavit concerning any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, or the signatures appended thereto.
[34-1819, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 19, p. 431.]
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sign his own name more than once to any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, or to sign his name to any such petition knowing himself at the time of such signing not to be qualified to sign the same.
[34-1820, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 20, p. 431.]
It shall be a felony for any person to offer, propose or threaten to do any act mentioned in this section of or concerning any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, for any pecuniary reward or consideration: (a) To offer, propose, threaten or attempt to sell, hinder or delay any petition or any part thereof or of any signatures thereon mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822; (b) To offer, propose, or threaten to desist, for a valuable consideration, from beginning, promoting or circulating any petition mentioned in sections 34-1801—34-1822, or soliciting signatures to any such petition; (c) To offer, propose, attempt or threaten in any manner or form to use any petition or power of promotion or opposition in any manner or form for extortion, blackmail or secret or private intimidation of any person or business interest.
[34-1821, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 21, p. 431.]
Any person, either as principal or agent, violating any of the provisions of sections 34-1801—34-1822 shall be punished upon conviction by imprisonment in the penitentiary or in the county jail not exceeding two (2) years, or by a fine not exceeding $5000.00, or by both, excepting that imprisonment in the penitentiary and punishment by a fine shall be the only penalty for violation of any provision of section 34-1821.
[34-1822, added 1933, ch. 210, sec. 22, p. 431.]
In the event that any part of chapter 18, title 34, Idaho Code, shall for any reason be determined void or unenforceable in any part thereof, the remainder thereof shall remain in full force and effect.
[34-1823, added 1997, ch. 266, sec. 11, p. 763.]
For the election of representatives in Congress, the state of Idaho is divided into two (2) congressional districts.
[(34-1901) 1917, ch. 121, sec. 1, p. 408; compiled and reen. C.L. 6:1; C.S., sec. 66; I.C.A., sec. 33-1601.]
The election of any person to any public office, the location or relocation of a county seat, or any proposition submitted to a vote of the people may be contested:
For malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of the judges of election in any precinct, township or ward, or of any board of canvassers, or any member of either board sufficient to change the result.
When the incumbent was not eligible to the office at the time of the election.
When the incumbent has been convicted of felony, unless at the time of the election he shall have been restored to civil rights.
When the incumbent has given or offered to any elector, or any judge, clerk or canvasser of the election, any bribe or reward in money or property for the purpose of procuring his election, or has committed any violation as set out in chapter 23, title 18, Idaho Code.
When illegal votes have been received or legal votes rejected at the polls sufficient to change the result.
For any error in any board of canvassers in counting votes or in declaring the result of the election, if the error would change the result.
When the incumbent is in default as a collector and custodian of public money or property.
For any cause which shows that another person was legally elected.
[(34-2001) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 132; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 119; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5026; C.S., sec. 7274; I.C.A., sec. 33-1701; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 1, p. 573.]
(1) The provisions of this chapter with respect to the contest of elections shall be applicable to bond elections conducted by cities, counties, school districts, and water and sewer districts and to elections conducted by school districts for levy increases as authorized by sections 33-802, 33-803, and 33-804, Idaho Code. Any such contest shall be regarded as one contesting the outcome of the vote on the bond or levy proposition, rather than election to office, and the public entity calling the election, rather than a person declared to have been elected to office, shall be regarded as the defendant.
(2) When the validity of any bond or levy election is contested on any of the grounds enumerated in section 34-2001, Idaho Code, on the grounds of a failure to comply with the requirements of section 34-913 or 34-914, Idaho Code, or on any other grounds whatsoever the plaintiff or plaintiffs must, within forty (40) days after the votes are canvassed and the results thereof declared, file in the proper court a verified written complaint setting forth, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter, the following:
(a) The name of the party contesting the bond or levy election, and that he is an elector of the public entity conducting the bond or levy election;
(b) The proposition or propositions voted on at the election that are contested; and
(c) The particular grounds of such contest.
(3) No such election contest shall be maintained and no bond or levy election shall be set aside or held invalid unless a complaint is filed as permitted under this section within the period prescribed in this section.
(4) All bond elections conducted by cities, counties, school districts, and water and sewer districts prior to the effective date of this act, and all proceedings had in the authorization and issuance of the bonds authorized thereat, are hereby validated, ratified, and confirmed and all such bonds are declared to constitute legally binding obligations in accordance with their terms. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or validate any bond election, or bonds issued pursuant thereto, the legality of which is being contested at the time this act takes effect, or any election, the legality of which is contested within the forty (40) day period from and after the effective date of this act.
[I.C., sec. 34-2001A, as added by 1969, ch. 208, sec. 1, p. 604; am. 1976, ch. 291, sec. 1, p. 1008; am. 2021, ch. 288, sec. 5, p. 865.]
The term "incumbent" in this chapter means the person whom the canvassers declare elected.
[(34-2002) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 133; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 120; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5027; C.S., sec. 7275; I.C.A., sec. 33-1702.]
When the misconduct complained of is on the part of the judges of election, it shall not be held sufficient to set aside the election, unless the vote of the precinct, township or ward would change the result as to that office.
[(34-2003) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 134; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 121; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5028; C.S., sec. 7276; I.C.A., sec. 33-1703.]
The Supreme Court shall hear and determine contests of the election of judges of the Supreme Court and appellate court and judges of the district courts, and in case they shall disagree, the governor shall act with them in determining the contest, but no judge of the Supreme Court shall sit upon the hearing of any case in which he is a party. The appropriate district court shall hear and determine contests of the retention election of judges of the magistrate courts.
[(34-2004) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 137; am. 1899, p. 33, sec. 124; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5029; C.S., sec. 7277; I.C.A., sec. 33-1704; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 2, p. 574.]
The district courts of the respective counties shall hear and determine contests of election in regard to the removal of county seats, and in regard to any other subject which may by law be submitted to the vote of the people of the county, and the proceedings therein shall be conducted as near as may be hereinafter provided for contesting the election of county officers.
[(34-2005) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 138; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 125; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5030; C.S., sec. 7278; I.C.A., sec. 33-1705.]
The district courts shall hear and determine contests of all other county, township and precinct officers, and officers of the cities and incorporated villages within the county.
[(34-2006) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 139; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 126; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5031; C.S., sec. 7279; I.C.A., sec. 33-1706.]
The election of any person declared elected to any office, other than executive state officers and members of the legislature, may be contested by any elector of the state, judicial district, county, township, precinct, city or incorporated village in and for which the person is declared elected.
[(34-2007) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 148; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 135; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5032; C.S., sec. 7280; I.C.A., sec. 33-1707.]
The contestants shall file in the proper court, within twenty (20) days after the votes are canvassed, a complaint setting forth the name of the contestant, and that he is an elector competent to contest such election; the name of the incumbent, the office contested, the time of the election, and the particular causes of contest, which complaint shall be verified by the affidavit of the contestant, that the causes set forth are true as he verily believes. The contestant must also file a bond, with security to be approved by the clerk of the court or district judge, as the case may be, conditioned to pay all costs in case the election be confirmed, the complaint dismissed, or the prosecution fail.
[(34-2008) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 149; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 136; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5033; C.S., sec. 7281; I.C.A., sec. 33-1708.]
When the reception of illegal or the rejection of legal votes is alleged as a cause of contest, the names of the persons who so voted, or whose votes were rejected, if known, with the precinct, township or ward where they voted or offered to vote, shall be set forth in the complaint.
[(34-2009) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 150; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 137; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5034; C.S., sec. 7282; I.C.A., sec. 33-1709.]
Upon the filing of such complaint summons shall issue against the person whose office is contested, as prescribed in the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure.
[(34-2010) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 151; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 138; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5035; C.S., sec. 7283; I.C.A., sec. 33-1710; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 3, p. 574.]
The cause shall stand for trial at the expiration of thirty (30) days from the time of service of the summons and complaint, if the court shall then be in session; otherwise, on the first day of the next term thereafter.
[(34-2011) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 152; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 139; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5036; C.S., sec. 7284; I.C.A., sec. 33-1711.]
The trial shall proceed at the time appointed, unless postponed for good cause shown by affidavit, the terms of which postponement are in the discretion of the court.
[(34-2012) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 153; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 140; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5037; C.S., sec. 7285; I.C.A., sec. 33-1712.]
The proceedings shall be held according to the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure so far as practicable, but shall be under the control and direction of the court, which shall have all the powers necessary to the right hearing and determination of the matter; to compel the attendance of witnesses, swear them and direct their examination; to punish for contempt in its presence or by disobedience to its lawful mandate; to adjourn from day to day; to make any order concerning immediate costs, and to enforce its orders by attachment. It shall be governed by the rules of law and evidence applicable to the case.
[(34-2013) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 154; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 141; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5038; C.S., sec. 7286; I.C.A., sec. 33-1713; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 4, p. 574.]
The testimony may be oral, or by depositions taken pursuant to the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure. Subpoenas for witnesses may be issued pursuant to the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure.
[(34-2014) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 155; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 142; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5039; C.S., sec. 7287; I.C.A., sec. 33-1714; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 5, p. 574.]
The proceedings shall not be dismissed for want of form, if the particular causes of contest are alleged with such certainty as will sufficiently advise the incumbent of the real grounds of contest. If any part of the causes are held insufficient they may be amended, but the incumbent will be entitled to an adjournment if he state on oath that he has a matter to answer to the amended causes, for the preparation of which he needs further time. Such adjournment shall be upon such terms as the court deems reasonable; but if all the causes are held insufficient, and an amendment is asked the adjournment shall be at the cost of the contestant. If no amendment is asked for or made, or in case of entire failure to prosecute, the proceedings may be dismissed.
[(34-2015) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 156; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 143; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5040; C.S., sec. 7288; I.C.A., sec. 33-1715.]
The style, form and manner of service of process and papers, and the fees of officers and witnesses shall be the same as in other cases in the court where the cause is tried.
[(34-2016) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 157; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 144; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5041; C.S., sec. 7289; I.C.A. sec. 33-1716.]
(a) The court may require any person called as a witness, who voted at such election, to answer touching his qualifications as a voter; and if he was not a qualified voter in the county where he voted, then to answer for whom he voted; and if the witness answer such questions no part of his testimony on that trial shall be used against him in any criminal action.
(b) No testimony shall be received as to any illegal votes unless the party contesting the election delivers to the opposing party at least three (3) days before trial, a written list of the number of illegal votes and by whom given, which he intends to prove on such trial. No testimony shall be received as to any illegal votes, except as to such as are specified in this list.
[(34-2017) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 158; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 145; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5042; C.S., sec. 7290; I.C.A., sec. 33-1717; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 6, p. 575.]
If an inspection of the ballots or poll books of any election district in this state shall become necessary for the determination of any election contest before any court, the presiding judge thereof may, by order naming the district or districts, require the proper officer to procure the same from the county auditor, or other person in whose possession or custody the same may be, and such clerk or person shall deliver the same to said officer, who shall deliver them unopened to such presiding judge.
[(34-2018) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 159; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 146; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5043; C.S., sec. 7291; I.C.A., sec. 33-1718.]
The presiding officer shall open and inspect the same in open court, in the presence of the parties or their attorneys, and immediately after such inspection shall again seal them in an envelope and return them, by mail or otherwise, to the office of the county auditor in which they were at first required to be filed.
[(34-2019) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 160; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 147; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5044; C.S., sec. 7292; I.C.A., sec. 33-1719.]
(a) The contestant and the incumbent are liable to the officers and witnesses for the costs made by them respectively. But if the election be confirmed, or the complaint be dismissed, or the prosecution fail, judgment shall be rendered against the contestant for costs, and if the judgment be against the incumbent, or the election be set aside, it shall be against him for costs.
(b) If the election is set aside or annulled on the grounds of fraud or error by the election officials in conducting the election or in canvassing the returns, the contest costs shall be a charge against the county or political subdivision where the election was held.
[(34-2020) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 161; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 148; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5045; C.S., sec. 7293; I.C.A., sec. 33-1720; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 7, p. 575.]
The judgment of the court in cases of contested election shall confirm or annul the election according to the right of the matter; or, in case the contest is in relation to the election of some person to an office, shall declare as elected the person who shall appear to be duly elected or, in the alternative, order the office to be filled according to chapter 9, title 59, Idaho Code, or order a new election to be held at a time and place as determined by the court.
[(34-2021) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 162; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 149; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5046; C.S., sec. 7294; I.C.A., sec. 33-1721; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 8, p. 575.]
If it appears that two (2) or more persons have–or would have had if the legal ballots cast or intended to be cast for them had been counted–the highest and an equal number of votes for the same office, the persons receiving such votes shall decide by lot, in such manner as the court shall by written order direct, which of them shall be declared duly elected, and the judgment shall be entered accordingly.
[(34-2022) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 163; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 150; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5047; C.S., sec. 7295; I.C.A., sec. 33-1722.]
When either the contestant or incumbent shall be in possession of the office by holding over, or otherwise, the court shall, if the judgment be against the party so in possession of the office and in favor of his antagonist, issue an order to carry into effect the judgment of the court, which order shall be under the seal of the court, and shall command the sheriff of the county to put the successful party into possession of the office without delay, and to deliver to him all books and papers belonging to the same; and the sheriff shall execute such order as other writs.
[(34-2023) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 164; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 151; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5048; C.S., sec. 7296; I.C.A., sec. 33-1723.]
When the person whose election is contested is found to have received the highest number of legal votes, but the election is declared null by reason of legal disqualification on his part, or for other causes, the person receiving the next highest number of votes shall not be declared elected, but the election shall be declared void.
[(34-2024) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 165; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 152; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5049; C.S., sec. 7297; I.C.A., sec. 33-1724.]
(a) The party against whom judgment is rendered in cases tried in the district court may appeal to the Supreme Court, and if the appellant be in possession of the office, such appeal shall not supersede the execution of the judgment of the court, as provided in the preceding section, unless he give a bond with security, to be approved by the court, in a sum to be fixed by the court, and which shall be at least double the probable compensation of such officer for six (6) months, which bond shall be conditioned that he will prosecute his appeal without delay, and that if the judgment appealed from be affirmed he will pay over to the successful party all compensation received by him while in possession of said office after the judgment appealed from was rendered, and such bond shall contain the express consent that judgment may be rendered against the sureties on the appeal as provided in the following section.
(b) All appeals to the Supreme Court shall be brought within ten (10) days of the judgment by the district court.
[(34-2025) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 166; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 153; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5050; C.S., sec. 7298; I.C.A., sec. 33-1725; am. 1982, ch. 209, sec. 9, p. 576.]
If upon the appeal the judgment be affirmed, the appellate court shall render judgment against the appellant and the sureties on his bond, or either of them, for the amount which the appellee is entitled to recover from the appellant on account of such contest, together with the costs; but in such case the sureties, or either of them, shall be entitled to produce and examine witnesses concerning the amount of such recovery.
[(34-2026) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 167; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 154; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5051; C.S., sec. 7299; I.C.A., sec. 33-1726.]
If upon appeal the appellant shall not be in possession of the office, he shall give bond, with security to be approved by the court where the judgment is rendered, conditioned to pay all costs that may be adjudged against him upon such appeal.
[(34-2027) 1890-1891, p. 57, sec. 168; reen. 1899, p. 33, sec. 155; reen. R.C. & C.L., sec. 5052; C.S., sec. 7300; I.C.A., sec. 33-1727.]
A candidate at a primary election may contest the nomination of any candidate for the same office based upon the grounds as set out in this chapter.
[34-2028, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 10, p. 576.]
The district court in the respective county in which the alleged error or omission occurred shall be the court in which jurisdiction shall rest.
[34-2029, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 11, p. 576.]
A candidate wishing to contest a primary election shall file an affidavit with the appropriate court within five (5) days of the completion of the canvass of the election. The affidavit shall set forth information as required in section 34-2008, Idaho Code. The affidavit shall be served on all necessary parties in the same manner as a complaint and summons are served pursuant to the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure.
[34-2030, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 12, p. 576.]
Upon filing of the affidavit the contestant shall file with the court a bond, in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500), to be used to pay costs of the contestee in the event the primary election be confirmed or the prosecution fail.
[34-2031, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 13, p. 577.]
If the primary election is set aside or annulled on the grounds of fraud or error by the election officials in conducting the election or in canvassing the election returns, the contest costs shall be a charge against the county or city where the election was held.
[34-2032, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 14, p. 577.]
The court may order the production of such evidence as it deems necessary for the proper disposition of the primary contest pursuant to the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure. The election contest shall be given priority on the court’s calendar.
[34-2033, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 15, p. 577.]
The court shall render an opinion in a primary contest as soon as is reasonably possible and shall prescribe such remedies as provided in this chapter as it deems just.
[34-2034, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 16, p. 577.]
(a) In primary election contests, the party against whom judgment is rendered on cases filed in the district court may appeal to the Supreme Court. The appeal shall be taken within ten (10) days of the judgment by the district court.
(b) The Supreme Court shall give the primary contest appeal priority on its calendar.
[34-2035, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 17, p. 577.]
The appellant shall file a bond sufficient to cover the cost of appeal of a primary contest. Costs shall be awarded to the prevailing party on appeal. The amount of the bond on appeal shall be set by the court.
[34-2036, added 1982, ch. 209, sec. 18, p. 578.]
(1) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Election Contests Act."
(2) The purpose of this act is to simplify and clarify the laws governing election contests of legislative seats and election contests for all officers of the executive department.
[34-2101, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 767.]
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Body" means the Idaho senate or the Idaho house of representatives or both.
(2) "Contestee" means the individual against whom the contest of election is filed.
(3) "Contestor" means the individual who files the contest of election.
(4) "Elector" has the same meaning as "qualified elector" provided in section 34-104, Idaho Code.
(5) "Eligible for the office" means the qualifications of members provided in section 34-614, Idaho Code.
(6) "Individual" means a natural person and not an artificial person such as a corporation, partnership, or other entity created by law.
(7) "Legislature" means the Idaho senate or the Idaho house of representatives or both.
(8) "Office" means any senate member, house of representatives member, executive office holder, or all.
(9) "Parties" means the contestor and the contestee.
(10) "Party" means the contestor or the contestee.
(11) "Presiding officer" means the Idaho senate president pro tempore or the speaker of the Idaho house of representatives. In the event the contestee or the contestor is the presiding officer, then the next ranking member of majority leadership who is able and willing serves as presiding officer. In the event the contestee or the contestor is an office holder in the executive department, then both the Idaho senate president pro tempore and the speaker of the Idaho house of representatives will serve as presiding officers.
[34-2102, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 767.]
(1) Contests over legislative offices.
(a) The senate will hear and determine contests of the election of its members.
(b) The house of representatives will hear and determine contests of the election of its members.
(2) Contests over executive offices. The legislature, in joint meeting, will hear and determine cases of contested election for all officers of the executive department. The meeting of the two (2) bodies to decide upon those elections will be held in the house of representatives, and the speaker of the house of representatives will preside.
[34-2103, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 768.]
The election of any person to any legislative or state executive office may be contested:
(1) For misconduct, fraud or corruption as provided in section 34-2107, Idaho Code, on the part of one (1) or more judges of election in any precinct or township, or on the part of one (1) or more members of any board of canvassers sufficient to change the result;
(2) When, in an election contest regarding a legislative seat, the contestee was not eligible for the office at the time of the election as provided in section 34-614, Idaho Code;
(3) When, in an election contest regarding an executive office, the contestee was not eligible for the office at the time of the election as provided in chapter 6 of this title;
(4) When the contestee has been convicted of one (1) or more felonies, unless at the time of the election his civil rights have been restored;
(5) When the contestee has been charged with giving or offering to any elector, clerk, or canvasser of the election, or to any judge as provided in section 34-2107, Idaho Code, any bribe or reward in money or property, for the purpose of procuring his election;
(6) When the contestee has been charged with violating one (1) or more of the provisions found in sections 18-2301 through 18-2313, Idaho Code;
(7) When illegal votes have been received or legal votes rejected at the polls sufficient to change the result;
(8) For any error in any board of canvassers in counting votes or in declaring the result of the election, if the error would change the result;
(9) When the contestee holds the office of the state treasurer or the state controller as provided in section 1, article IV, of the constitution of the state of Idaho, and is in default as a collector and custodian of public money or property;
(10) For any other cause or allegation which, if sustained, would show that a person other than the contestee was the person duly elected to the office in question.
[34-2104, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 768.]
In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the legislature may provide:
(1) Senate rules regarding senate election contests.
(2) House of representatives rules regarding house of representatives election contests.
(3) Joint rules regarding executive department election contests.
In the event the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with legislative rules, the legislative rules control.
[34-2105, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 769.]
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 34-2101 through 34-2119, Idaho Code, in the event a presiding officer occupies the legislative seat that is the subject of an election contest, the majority leader or the next available and willing member of majority leadership of the appropriate body must serve as the presiding officer for purposes of this chapter.
[34-2106, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 769.]
Misconduct on the part of the judges of election is sufficient to set aside the election if the misconduct would change the result regarding that office.
[34-2107, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 769.]
(1) Legislative contest. Within twenty (20) days after the election, whenever any elector of a legislative district chooses to contest the election of any member of the legislature from that district, the elector must give written notice of the contest and leave a copy of the notice of contest with the office of the secretary of state. The elector must make reasonable efforts to provide written notice of the contest to:
(a) The person whose election the elector is contesting by serving the notice at the address of the person reflected on his declaration of candidacy filed with the office of the secretary of state; and
(b) The secretary of the senate, if the election contest concerns an Idaho senate seat, or the chief clerk of the house of representatives, if the election contest concerns an Idaho house of representatives seat, at the statehouse in Boise.
(2) Executive department contest. Within twenty (20) days after the election, whenever any elector of this state chooses to contest the validity of the election of any of the officers of the executive department of the state, the elector must give written notice of the contest and leave a copy of the notice of contest with the office of the secretary of state. The elector must make reasonable efforts to provide written notice of the contest to:
(a) The person whose election the elector is contesting by serving the notice at the address that appears on the person’s declaration of candidacy filed with the office of the secretary of state;
(b) The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate at the statehouse in Boise.
(3) Notification by secretary of state to legislature. On or before the first day of the legislature’s organizational session, the secretary of state must provide a copy of the notice of election contest to:
(a) The secretary of the senate, if the election contest concerns an Idaho senate seat;
(b) The chief clerk of the house of representatives, if the election contest concerns an Idaho house of representatives seat;
(c) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, if the election contest concerns an officer of the executive department.
(4) Grounds for contest. For any contest of election provided for in subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the notice of contest of election must include one (1) or more grounds upon which the election will be contested, as provided in section 34-2104, Idaho Code.
(5) Anticipated discovery. In the notice of contest, the parties must identify anticipated initial discovery, including witnesses to be deposed and the anticipated date and location of depositions. Relevant additional discovery will be allowed by the parties.
(6) Notice of contest may not be amended. A notice of contest required by this section may not be amended subsequent to the expiration of the twenty (20) days’ notice required in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
[34-2108, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 769.]
(1) If the notice of contest fails to recite any grounds required by section 34-2104, Idaho Code, or fails to identify anticipated discovery as provided in section 34-2108, Idaho Code, or the contestor fails to timely post bond as provided in section 34-2118, Idaho Code, or the contestor otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter in a material way, the notice of contest may be stayed or dismissed as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section.
(2) Failure to advance contest. If the contestor fails to advance the contest due to death, incapacity, failure to comply with orders of the presiding officer, relocation out of the contested legislative district, or failure to advance the contest, then the presiding officer may enter a written order staying the proceedings. The provisions of subsections (3) and (4) of this section will then apply.
(3) Stay of proceedings. The presiding officer may enter a written order staying the proceedings if any of the instances provided in subsection (1) or (2) of this section apply. Upon issuance of the order, discovery in the contest must cease. The order must state the basis for the stay.
(4) Ratification or rejection. On or after the second day of the next regular session of the legislature, the body must either accept or reject the presiding officer’s stay.
(a) A vote by the body to accept the order constitutes a dismissal of the contest.
(b) A vote by the body to reject the order constitutes a reversal of the order. Following the rejection of the order, the presiding officer or his designee must issue an order to the parties providing a schedule for reasonable discovery and hearing. The order must provide reasonable time for the parties to develop their record, not to exceed twenty (20) days. The order must define how and when the record must be completed and delivered to the office of the secretary of state and when the secretary of state will deliver the contest papers to the appropriate body.
[34-2109, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 770.]
Unless otherwise provided for in legislative rule, the following provisions apply:
(1) Examination of witnesses. Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer or his designee, any party may take the testimony of any person by deposition upon oral examination pursuant to the provisions of the Idaho rules of civil procedure. Depositions must be transcribed in writing. Any other form of deposition must be approved by the presiding officer or his designee. All testimony and discovery must be completed on or before December 29 following the election. The completed record must be delivered to the office of the secretary of state no later than the close of business on the next business day following December 29.
(2) (a) Subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum. An election contest held pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is not a judicial proceeding. The principles of rule 45 of the Idaho rules of civil procedure, however, must be used as a framework for the form, content, issuance and service of subpoenas. Every subpoena and subpoena duces tecum must reasonably approximate the form found in appendix B of the Idaho rules of civil procedure.
(b) Unless prevented by sickness or unavoidable necessity, any person who has been summoned in the manner provided for in this section and refuses or neglects to attend and testify:
(i) Forfeits the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00), to be recovered by the party at whose instance the subpoena was issued; and
(ii) Is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c) Every witness who provides testimony pursuant to a subpoena provided for in this chapter is entitled to receive the witness fees as allowed under the Idaho rules of civil procedure.
[34-2110, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 770.]
The testimony by deposition upon oral examination must be taken and preserved pursuant to the provisions of the Idaho rules of civil procedure. The deposition record must be entitled: "Deposition taken in the matter of the contest of the election of [INSERT NAME OF CONTESTEE HERE] to the office of….," and be directed to the secretary of state, who must preserve the same, until the meeting of the legislature. Any testimony taken pursuant to this section must be filed with the secretary of state. Upon request of a presiding officer, the secretary of state must provide copies of depositions to the requesting presiding officer in a timely manner, prior to the time established in section 34-2114, Idaho Code.
[34-2111, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 771.]
The presiding officer has power to require the production of papers. Any person who refuses or neglects to produce and deliver any paper or papers in his possession pertaining to the election or, in case they be official papers, refuses or neglects to produce and deliver certified or sworn copies of the same shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[34-2112, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 771.]
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, if, at the time of taking depositions to be used in a contested election, the notice of contest alleges that it is necessary for the determination of the contest that the ballots or the poll books of any election district or districts should be inspected, then, on the request of either party to the contest, the presiding officer may issue an order requiring the county auditor, or other person in whose custody or possession the ballots or poll books may be, naming the district or districts mentioned in the notice, to deliver them to the person or persons issuing the order. The officer or officers must transmit the ballots or poll books to the secretary of state, who must preserve the same unopened until the meeting of the legislature.
(2) Any order issued pursuant to subsection (1) of this section must not be executed until after the time has lapsed for the filing of:
(a) An election contest provided for in chapter 20 of this title; or
(b) A recount filed as provided for in chapter 23 of this title.
(c)(i) If more than one (1) election contest is filed pursuant to chapter 20 or 21 of this title that implicate the same ballots or poll books, or part of the same ballots or poll books, the office of the secretary of state and the appropriate county auditor, or other person in whose custody or possession the ballots or poll books may be, must agree to a process for the examination of ballots or poll books that reasonably accommodates each contest filed.
(ii) If one (1) or more election contests are filed pursuant to chapter 20 or 21 of this title and one (1) or more recounts of ballots are filed pursuant to chapter 23 of this title, and if the election contests and the recounts of ballots implicate the same ballots or poll books, or part of the same ballots or poll books, the office of the secretary of state, the office of the attorney general and the appropriate county auditor or other person in whose custody or possession the ballots or poll books may be must agree to a process for the examination of ballots or poll books that reasonably accommodates each contest filed and each recount of ballots filed.
[34-2113, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 771.]
(1) Senate election contests. On the second day of the next regular session of the legislature, the secretary of state must deliver to the presiding officer of the senate all papers regarding a contested election of any member of the senate.
(2) House of representatives election contests. On the second day of the next regular session of the legislature, the secretary of state must deliver to the presiding officer of the house of representatives all papers regarding a contested election of any member of the house of representatives.
(3) Executive department election contests. On the second day of the next regular session of the legislature, the secretary of state must deliver to the speaker of the house of representatives all papers regarding a contest of elections of executive officers. The senate president pro tempore, or his designee, must attend the house of representatives during its receipt of the contest papers.
[34-2114, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 772.]
(1) Senate election contest. On the day of the receipt by the presiding officer of the senate, or his designee, of papers relating to contested elections, the presiding officer, in the appropriate order of business, must give notice to the senate of receipt of the papers.
(2) House of representatives election contest. On the day of the receipt by the presiding officer of the house of representatives, or his designee, of papers relating to contested elections, the presiding officer, in the appropriate order of business, must give notice to the house of representatives of receipt of the papers.
(3) State Executive Department Election Contest. Where the papers relate to the contest of a state executive officer, the house of representatives must notify the senate, and the day must be fixed by both houses, by concurrent resolution, for uniting the two (2) bodies to decide upon the same, in which decision the yeas and nays must be taken and entered upon the journal. A joint committee may be appointed by the presiding officers, or designees, of the two (2) bodies to produce a committee report on the election contest.
[34-2115, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 772.]
(1) Unless otherwise provided by legislative rule, the papers relating to any contest of election must be opened only in the presence of the body as directed by the presiding officer. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section or unless otherwise provided for by legislative rule, the papers must remain in the custody of the presiding officer or his designee until the election contest is decided. Upon a final decision by the body, the provisions of section 34-2117, Idaho Code, governing preservation of evidence will apply.
(2) Appointment of committee. The presiding officer may appoint a standing or special committee to hear the contest of election.
(a) The chairman of the committee will act as the temporary custodian of the papers. The presiding officer, or his designee, has discretion to deliver to the committee chairman all papers delivered to the presiding officer by the secretary of state or a portion of those papers. The committee chairman, or his designee, is authorized to efficiently manage or organize the papers.
(b) Upon conclusion of hearing the contest, the committee will report to the body its recommendation on the contest. The body must vote on the committee report. Upon the body’s vote on the report, the committee chairman must return the papers to the presiding officer, who will preserve the evidence as provided in section 34-2117, Idaho Code.
[34-2116, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 772.]
(1) Except as provided for in subsection (2) of this section, all the evidence in any contest provided for in this chapter will be returned by the presiding officer, or his designee, to the secretary of state and will be preserved in the office of the secretary of state.
(2) Any ballots or poll books, other than copies, will be returned by the presiding officer to the secretary of state, who will return them to the office of the county auditor in which they were first required to be filed.
[34-2117, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 773.]
(1) The contestor must file with the secretary of state a bond in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) conditioned to pay the contestee’s costs if the election be confirmed by the legislature.
(2) The parties are liable for witness fees and the costs of discovery made by them respectively. If the election is upheld by the legislature, the legislature may assess costs and fees, other than attorney’s fees, against the contestor. If the election is annulled by the legislature, the legislature may assess costs and fees, other than attorney’s fees, against the contestee.
(3) Attorney’s fees.
(a) Attorney’s fees may be awarded against the contestor if the legislature determines the contest of election is frivolous and has no foundation in law or fact.
(b) Attorney’s fees may be awarded against the contestee if the election is annulled by the legislature due to misconduct, fraud or corruption on the part of the contestee.
(4) If the election is set aside or annulled on the grounds of fraud or error by the election officials in conducting the election or in canvassing the returns, the contest costs will be a charge against the county in which the fraud or error occurred.
(5) If a special election is called by the legislature pursuant to section 34-2119, Idaho Code, the costs associated with the special election will be allocated in equal amounts to the state of Idaho and the county or counties where the special election is held.
[34-2118, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 773.]
(1) The legislature must confirm or annul the election and must declare as elected the person who appears duly elected.
(2) If two (2) or more persons have the highest and an equal number of votes for the same office, or if the legal ballots cast or intended to be cast for them had been counted and they would have had the highest and an equal number of votes for the same office, then the election will be decided by lot, in a manner directed by the legislature, which of the persons receiving such votes will be declared duly elected.
(3) When the person whose election is contested is found to have received the highest number of legal votes, but the election is declared null by reason of legal disqualification on his part, or for other causes, the person receiving the next highest number of votes will not be declared elected and the legislature must declare the election void.
(4) If a vacancy is created pursuant to this section, the legislature may declare the office vacant and order the office filled pursuant to chapter 9, title 59, Idaho Code.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 1 of this title, the legislature may call for a special election regarding a specific contested office in which an accurate vote count cannot be obtained or discovered by the legislature. The legislature has the authority to set the date of the special election and the office and candidates to be placed on the ballot. In setting a special election, the legislature may provide for a filing period and notice provisions for the election.
(6)(a) Upon a final decision and award of costs and fees against the contestor, the legislature may direct the secretary of state to pay the award from the bond provided in section 34-2118, Idaho Code.
(b) Upon a final decision and award of costs, fees or attorney’s fees against the contestor, and if the costs, fees and attorney’s fees exceed the amount of the bond filed pursuant to section 34-2118, Idaho Code, the contestee may petition the district court for execution of the award.
(c) Upon a final decision and award of costs and fees against the contestee, the contestor may petition the district court for execution of the award.
[34-2119, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 773.]
Any candidate at a primary election may contest the nomination of any candidate for the same office based on the grounds as set out in this chapter.
[34-2120, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
A district court in the respective legislative district has jurisdiction over the primary contest involving a legislative election. For election contests involving statewide executive offices, the district court whose jurisdiction includes the state capitol has jurisdiction.
[34-2121, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
A candidate wishing to contest a primary election must file an affidavit with the appropriate court within five (5) days of the completion of the canvass of the election. The affidavit must set forth information as required in section 34-2108, Idaho Code, and must be served on all necessary parties in the same manner as a complaint and summons are served pursuant to the Idaho rules of civil procedure.
[34-2122, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
Upon filing of the affidavit, the contestor must file with the court a bond in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be used to pay costs of the contestee in the event the primary election be confirmed or the prosecution fail.
[34-2123, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
If the primary election is set aside or annulled on the grounds of fraud or error by the election officials in conducting the election or in canvassing the election returns, the court costs must be a charge against the state of Idaho.
[34-2124, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
The court may order the production of such evidence as it deems necessary for the proper disposition of the primary contest pursuant to the Idaho rules of civil procedure. The election contest must be given priority on the court’s calendar.
[34-2125, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 774.]
Not more than ten (10) days after the hearing, the court must render an opinion in a primary contest as soon as practicable and must prescribe such remedies provided in this chapter as it deems just. The court may award attorney’s fees if the court finds the contest of nomination is frivolous and has no foundation in law or fact.
[34-2126, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 775.]
(1) In primary election contests, the party against whom judgment is rendered on cases filed in the district court may appeal to the supreme court. The appeal must be taken within ten (10) days of the judgment of the district court.
(2) The supreme court must give the primary contest appeal priority and in no case may it render a decision more than ten (10) days after the receipt of an appeal.
(3) The supreme court may award attorney’s fees if it finds the appeal is frivolous and has no foundation in law or fact.
[34-2127, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 775.]
The appellant must file a bond sufficient to cover the cost of appeal of a primary contest. The amount of the bond on appeal must be set by the court.
[34-2128, added 2017, ch. 293, sec. 2, p. 775.]
Whenever the Congress of the United States has proposed, or shall hereafter propose, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and proposes that it be ratified by conventions in the several states, the governor shall fix by proclamation the date of an election, subject to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, for the purpose of electing delegates to such convention in the state of Idaho. The proclamation for such election shall be issued by the governor under his hand and the great seal of the state of Idaho at least ninety (90) days before such election and copies thereof shall be transmitted to the board of county commissioners of the counties in which such elections are to be held. Such election shall be held at least as soon as the next general election occurring more than three (3) months after the amendment has been proposed by the Congress of the United States.
[34-2201, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 1, p. 328; am. 1995, ch. 118, sec. 47, p. 467.]
At such election all persons qualified to vote for presidential electors shall be entitled to vote.
[34-2202, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 2, p. 328.]
Except as in this act otherwise provided, such election shall be conducted and the results thereof ascertained and certified in the same manner as in the case of the election of presidential electors in this state, and all the provisions of the laws of this state relative to general elections, except in so far as inconsistent with sections 34-2201—34-2216, are hereby made applicable to such election.
[34-2203, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 3, p. 328.]
The number of delegates to be chosen to such convention shall be twenty-one (21), to be elected from the state at large.
[34-2204, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 4, p. 328.]
Candidates for the office of delegate to the convention shall be qualified electors of the state of Idaho. Nomination shall be by petition and not otherwise. A single petition shall nominate but one (1) candidate, who may have one (1) or more separate petitions. Nominations shall be without party or political designation, but the nominating petitions shall each contain a declaration of the candidate that he is a candidate for election to the office of delegate to the constitutional convention, and a statement to the effect that he favors ratification of, or that he is against ratification of the proposed constitutional amendment to be acted upon by the constitutional convention, and the total number of voters joining in the nomination of a candidate shall not be less than one hundred (100).
The candidate’s declaration in the nominating petition shall be in substantially the following form, to-wit:
I, the undersigned, being a qualified elector of …. precinct, …. County, State of Idaho, hereby declare myself to be a candidate for the office of delegate to the constitutional convention, to be voted for at the election to be held on the …. day of …., …., and that I …. (insert one only of the following: "favor ratification of" …. or "am against ratification of") the proposed constitutional amendment to be acted upon by the constitutional convention, and certify that I possess the legal qualifications to fill said office, and that my post-office address is …..
I further certify and declare that if nominated I hereby accept said office.
All blank spaces shall be properly filled in with the necessary information and the declaration of candidacy shall be subscribed and sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the signatures of the voters joining in such petitions, each of which signature shall be followed by the signer’s residence address and date, shall be prefaced by a declaration in substantially the following form, to-wit:
I, the undersigned, being a qualified elector of the State of Idaho, do hereby declare that I am in accord with the statement and declaration of …., a candidate for the office of delegate to the constitutional convention, to be voted for at the election to be held on the …. day of …., …., and do hereby join in this petition for his nomination for such office.
| Name of Petitioner | Post office | Date of Signing |
|---|---|---|
| …………….. | ……….. | ………….. |
Each nominating petition shall, at the time of filing in the office of the secretary of state, bear an affidavit in substantially the following form, executed and verified by a citizen and resident of the State of Idaho:–
State of Idaho
ss.
County of ….
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen and resident of the State of Idaho; that each of the petitioners whose name is affixed to the above paper signed the same personally, together with his post-office address and date of signing, and that each signed the same with full knowledge of its contents; that to the best of my knowledge each is a qualified elector of the State of Idaho.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this …. day of …., …..
No voter shall sign more than twenty-one (21) nominating petitions nor more than one (1) petition for the same candidate, and if he does either, his signatures shall not be counted on any nominating petition.
All acceptances and petitions shall be filed with the secretary of state not less than forty-five (45) days before the date fixed for the election. No nomination shall be effective except those of the twenty-one (21) candidates in favor of ratification and the twenty-one (21) candidates against ratification whose nominating petitions have respectively been signed by the largest number of voters, ties, if any, to be decided by lot drawn by the secretary of state; provided, however, that if there be less than twenty-one (21) candidates in favor of ratification, all such candidates shall be considered as nominated, or if there be less than twenty-one (21) candidates against ratification all such candidates shall be considered as nominated.
Within ten (10) days after the petitions are filed with him, the secretary of state shall certify to each county auditor within the state, a certified list of the candidates of each group entitled to be voted for at such election, as appears from the acceptances and nominating petitions filed in the office of the secretary of state.
[34-2205, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 5, p. 328; am. 2007, ch. 90, sec. 17, p. 254.]
The election shall be by ballot, separate from any ballot to be used at the same election, which ballot shall be prepared as follows: It shall first state the substance of the proposed constitutional amendment. This shall be followed by appropriate instructions to the voter. It shall then contain perpendicular columns of equal width headed respectively, in plain type, "For Ratification" and "Against Ratification." In the column headed "For Ratification" shall be placed the names of the candidates nominated in favor of ratification. In the column headed" Against Ratification" shall be placed the names of the candidates nominated as against ratification. The voter shall indicate his choice by making one or more cross-marks in the appropriate spaces provided on the ballot. No ballot shall be held void because any such cross-mark is irregular in character. The ballot shall be so arranged that the voter may, by making a single cross-mark, vote for the entire group of candidates whose names are comprised in any column:
The ballot shall be in substantially the following form:
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE UNITED STATES
Delegates to the Convention to Ratify the
Proposed Amendment.
The Congress has proposed an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which provides (insert here the substance of the proposed amendment).
The Congress has also proposed that the said amendment shall be ratified by conventions in the several states.
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
Do not vote for more than 21 candidates altogether.
To vote for all candidates in favor of ratification, or for all candidates against ratification, make a cross-mark in the CIRCLE at the head of the list of candidates for whom you wish to vote. If you do this, make no other mark.
To vote for an individual candidate make a cross-mark in the SQUARE at the left of the name.
| FOR RATIFICATION | AGAINST RATIFICATION |
|---|---|
| □ John Doe | □ Charles Coe |
| □ Richard Roe | □ Michael Moe |
All circular spaces in said ballot shall be one-half (1/2) inch in diameter.
All square spaces in said ballot shall be one-half (1/2) inch square.
Except as herein otherwise provided, ballots and supplies for said election shall be prepared and furnished as provided by chapter 9 of this title.
[34-2206, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 6, p. 328.]
The twenty-one (21) candidates who shall receive respectively the highest numbers of the total number of votes cast at said election shall be the delegates to the convention. If there shall be a vacancy in the convention caused by the death or disability of any delegate or any other cause, the same shall be filled by appointment by the majority vote of the delegates comprising the group from which such delegate was elected and if the convention contains no other delegate of that group, shall be filled by the governor.
[34-2207, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 7, p. 328.]
The delegates to the convention shall meet and assemble in the house of representatives in the capitol at Boise, Idaho, on the twenty-eighth day after their election, at twelve (12) o’clock noon, and shall thereupon organize as, be and constitute a convention to pass upon the question of whether or not the proposed amendment shall be ratified.
[34-2208, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 8, p. 328.]
The convention shall be the judge of the election and qualification of its members; and shall have the power to elect its president, secretary and other officers and/or employees and to adopt its own rules.
[34-2209, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 9, p. 328.]
The convention shall keep a journal of its proceedings in which shall be recorded the vote of each delegate on the question of ratification of the proposed amendment. Upon final adjournment the journal shall be certified to by the president and secretary of the convention and be filed with the secretary of state.
[34-2210, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 10, p. 328.]
If the convention shall agree, by a vote of a majority of the total number of delegates, to the ratification of the proposed amendment, a certificate to that effect shall be executed by the president and secretary of the convention and transmitted to the secretary of state of this state, who shall transmit the certificate under the great seal of the state to the secretary of state of the United States.
[34-2211, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 11, p. 328.]
No delegate to a constitutional convention shall receive any compensation except that such delegate shall be paid his actual, necessary and reasonable expenses in traveling to and from and attendance at said convention.
[34-2212, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 12, p. 328.]
All the expenses of the constitutional convention and the expenses allowed delegates thereto shall be allowed and paid by the state of Idaho in the same manner as other claims against the state are allowed and paid, and from such appropriations as are, or may be, available therefor.
[34-2213, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 13, p. 328.]
If at or about the time of submitting any such amendment, Congress shall either in the resolution submitting the same or by statute, prescribe the manner in which the conventions shall be constituted, and shall not except from the provisions of such statute or resolution such states as may theretofore have provided for constituting such conventions, the preceding provisions of this act shall be inoperative, the convention shall be constituted and shall operate as the said resolution or Act of Congress shall direct, and all officers of the state who may by the said resolution or statute be authorized or directed to take any action to constitute such a convention for this state are hereby authorized and directed to act thereunder and in obedience thereto with the same force and effect as if acting under a statute of this state.
[34-2214, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 14, p. 328.]
If any part or parts of sections 34-2201—34-2216 shall be adjudged by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, the same shall not effect the validity of any part or parts thereof which can be given effect without the part or parts adjudged to be unconstitutional or invalid. The legislature hereby declares that it would have passed the remaining parts of sections 34-2201—34-2216 if it had been known that such other part or parts thereof would be declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
[34-2215, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 15, p. 328.]
This act, sections 34-2201—34-2216, may be cited as the "Constitutional Convention Act."
[34-2216, added 1933, ch. 179, sec. 16, p. 328.]
(1) Any candidate for federal, state, county or municipal office desiring a recount of the ballots cast in any nominating or general election or person supporting or opposing a state, county or city measure, may apply to the attorney general therefor, within twenty (20) days of the canvass of such election, by the state board of canvassers if for federal and state office, or within twenty (20) days of the canvass of such election by the county commissioners if for a county or municipal office.
(2) Candidates for all other offices and supporters and opponents to all other ballot measures desiring a recount may apply to the county clerk within twenty (20) days of the canvass of said election by the board of county commissioners.
[34-2301, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 1, p. 410; am. 1985, ch. 41, sec. 1, p. 84; am. 2009, ch. 341, sec. 64, p. 1035; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 15, p. 784.]
In his application he shall state the precinct or precincts in which he desires recount to be made and shall remit to the attorney general or county clerk, pursuant to section 34-2301, Idaho Code, together with his application the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) for each such precinct in which he desires a recount made.
[34-2302, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 2, p. 410; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 16, p. 784.]
Upon receiving the application for recount together with the remittance required by section 34-2302, Idaho Code, the attorney general or county clerk, pursuant to section 34-2301, Idaho Code, shall cause all ballot boxes used in such election in the precinct or precincts in which recount is to be made to be immediately impounded and taken into custody by the sheriff of the county or counties in which precinct or precincts are located. In the event that the recount is of the results of a primary election the ballot boxes used to hold the blank half of the ballot shall also be impounded.
[34-2303, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 3, p. 410; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 17, p. 784.]
The attorney general or county clerk shall then issue an order for recount. The order shall name the prior election judges and clerks of the precinct to act in the same capacity and receive the same compensation as they did on election day. The order shall provide for the place where the recount is to be made; that all candidates named on the ballot for the office contested, or a representative of either or all of them, may be present to watch the counting; and that every other person interested may be present. The order shall state the date on which the recount is to be made which shall not be more than ten (10) days from the date of the order. Copies of the order shall be mailed to each candidate named on the ballot for the office to be recounted.
[34-2304, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 4, p. 410; am. 1985, ch. 41, sec. 2, p. 85; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 18, p. 785.]
At the time and place fixed for recounting the ballots cast in any precinct all ballots shall be recounted in plain view of the candidates or their representatives. The recount shall commence at the time and place so ordered, and shall continue until the recount is finished and the results tabulated. The attorney general shall be the final authority concerning any question which arises during the recount for federal, state, county or municipal elections. The county prosecuting attorney shall be the final authority concerning any question that arises during the recount of other elections.
[34-2305, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 5, p. 410; am. 1985, ch. 41, sec. 3, p. 85; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 19, p. 785; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 10, p. 578.]
If the results of the recount indicate a difference, which if projected across all the precincts of the office in question would change the result of the election in favor of the candidate requesting the recount or change in the measure being recounted, then the cost of such recount shall be borne by the county or state and the sums of money theretofore paid for the recount shall be returned to the candidate or person who requested the recount of a ballot measure.
In order to be relieved of the costs of the recount, the candidate or person must request that at least twenty (20) precincts containing not less than five thousand (5,000) votes cast be recounted if for a federal or state office or measure, or five (5) precincts containing not less than one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) votes cast be recounted for a state legislative district office, or at least two (2) precincts having not less than five hundred (500) votes cast be recounted for a county office or measure, or two (2) precincts having not less than two hundred (200) votes cast to be recounted in city or district elections.
[34-2306, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 6, p. 410; am. 1985, ch. 41, sec. 4, p. 85; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 20, p. 785.]
If the candidate or person who requested the recount is relieved of the costs of the recount as described in section 34-2306, Idaho Code, the attorney general, or the county prosecuting attorney for district offices, shall require a recount to be made in all the remaining precincts of the office in question. The state shall pay for a general recount of a federal, state, or legislative district office, while the county shall pay for a general recount of a county, city or district office.
[34-2307, added 1985, ch. 41, sec. 6, p. 86; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 21, p. 786; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 11, p. 578.]
(1) Any candidate or person may appeal the results of a recount or the determination that a recount is not necessary when:
(a) Any candidate for the office or the person on either side of a measure for which a recount has been requested disagrees with the results of the recount and alleges that the law has been misinterpreted or misapplied;
(b) It appears that a different application or interpretation of the law would have required a general recount where no general recount was ordered; or
(c) It appears that a different application or interpretation of the law would not have required a general recount where a general recount was ordered;
then the candidate claiming the misinterpretation or the misapplication of law may appeal to the district court in the county concerned if the office is a county, municipal or district office or to the district court in Ada county if the office is a federal or state office.
(2) The submittal on appeal shall be by brief and submitted within twenty-four (24) hours following the recount. The appeal submittal shall be served upon the attorney general of Idaho or the county prosecuting attorney within twenty-four (24) hours of filing it within the district court. The appeal submittal shall also be served upon the opposing candidate(s) or representatives of the pro and con sides of the ballot measure within twenty-four (24) hours of filing the appeal in the district court.
(3) The attorney general, in consultation with the secretary of state, may respond to the submittal by brief or the prosecuting attorney, in consultation with the county clerk, may respond for district elections.
(4) The opposing candidate(s) or parties, regarding a measure, may respond to the submittal by brief.
(5) At the discretion of the district court judge, a hearing may be ordered within five (5) days of the filing of the appeal. All parties required to be served with the appeal may participate fully in the hearing. The judge may determine that the appeal may be decided on the brief without a hearing.
(6) A decision thereon shall be given within five (5) days. Any appeal from the decision of the district court must be taken within twenty-four (24) hours after a decision is rendered. A decision on the appeal shall be given within five (5) days. No further appeal shall be allowed.
[34-2308, added 1957, ch. 198, sec. 8, p. 410; am. 1985, ch. 41, sec. 7, p. 86; am. 2004, ch. 48, sec. 1, p. 233; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 22, p. 786.]
A losing candidate for nomination, or election or person supporting or opposing a ballot measure, may request a recount of the votes cast for the nomination or election to that office or passage or failure of a measure if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for the winning candidate for nomination or election, or the difference between the yes and no votes on a measure, is less than or equal to one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the total votes cast for that office or five (5) votes, whichever is greater. All requests shall be in writing, and filed with the appropriate officer during the time mentioned in section 34-2301, Idaho Code.
The state shall pay for the recount of a federal, state, or legislative district office, or state measure while the county shall pay for the recount of a county, city or district office or measure.
[34-2309, added 1985, ch. 41, sec. 9, p. 87; am. 1986, ch. 97, sec. 3, p. 276; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 23, p. 786; am. 2015, ch. 282, sec. 7, p. 1149; am. 2015, ch. 287, sec. 1, p. 1159.]
As used in this chapter, costs of recount shall include the following:
(1) Travel costs of the office of the attorney general including meals and lodging.
(2) Normal hourly rate for election judges and clerks who are not employees of the county.
(3) Mileage for election judges who are not employees of the county.
(4) Any other costs directly attributable to the recount.
[34-2310, added 1985, ch. 41, sec. 10, p. 87.]
(1) To ensure the accuracy of automated vote tabulation systems, the county clerk shall follow the recount procedures provided in this section.
(2) The votes from a random selection of ballots shall be tallied by hand and the votes from the same ballots shall be tabulated by an electronic ballot tabulating system. For statewide and federal office or a statewide measure, the number of ballots to be tallied and tabulated shall be equal to at least two (2) precincts of the ballots cast in each county. For all other offices or measures, the number of ballots to be tallied and tabulated shall be equal to the greater of one hundred (100) or five percent (5%) of the ballots cast for the office or measure, distributed by county where applicable.
(3) For a statewide or federal office or a statewide measure, if the results of the hand-tally and the automated vote tally system tabulation within the county differ by one-fourth of one percent (.25%) or less, the remaining ballots shall be recounted using automated vote tabulating systems. Otherwise, the remaining ballots shall be recounted by hand.
(4) For other offices and ballot measures, if the results of the hand-tally and electronic vote tabulating system tabulation differ by less than one percent (1%), or two (2) votes, whichever is greater, the remaining ballots shall be recounted using automated vote tabulating systems. Otherwise, the remaining ballots shall be recounted by hand.
[34-2313, added 2011, ch. 285, sec. 24, p. 787.]
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Ballot" means any material used or the voting surface of a direct recording electronic system on which votes are cast for offices, candidates and measures.
(2) "Ballot card" means the tabulating card or cards of any size upon which the voter records his vote.
(3) "Election" means all state, county, city, district and other political subdivision elections including bond issue elections.
(4) "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners of any county or the governing body of any city, district or other political subdivision elections including bond issue elections.
(5) "Measure" means a proposed law, act or part of an act of the legislative assembly or amendment to the constitution of the state of Idaho to be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at an election. "Measure" also means other propositions that can be submitted to the voters at any election by counties, cities, districts or other political subdivisions.
(6) "Precinct" includes all election districts.
(7) "Vote tally system" means the total combination of equipment, including hardware, firmware, software, materials, and documentation, used to perform the following functions of an election:
(a) To define or read ballots and verify accuracy;
(b) To mark, scan, and count ballots;
(c) To report or produce election results; and
(d) To maintain and produce any audit trail information.
(8) "Voting machine" means:
(a) Any mechanical or electronic device that will record every vote cast by any voter on candidates and measures and that will either internally or externally total all votes cast on that device; or
(b) Any device into which a ballot card may be inserted and that is so designed and constructed that the vote for any candidate or measure may be indicated by marking the ballot card.
[34-2401, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 132, p. 351; am. 1974, ch. 3, sec. 1, p. 17; am. 2001, ch. 272, sec. 3, p. 994; am. 2003, ch. 48, sec. 14, p. 187; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 2, p. 902.]
It is the policy of this state that at all elections, including bond issue elections, that ballots or votes may be cast, registered, recorded and counted by means of voting machines or vote tally systems as provided in this chapter.
[I.C., sec. 34-2402, as added by 1974, ch. 3, sec. 3, p. 17.]
All election laws, including, but not limited to, bond election laws, city charters or ordinances, not inconsistent with this chapter, shall apply to all elections in election precincts where voting machines or vote tally systems are used. No provision of law, city charter or ordinance which in any way conflicts with this chapter or with the use of voting machines or vote tally systems as provided in this chapter, shall operate to prohibit use of voting machines or vote tally systems in any election or bond issue election.
[I.C., sec. 34-2403, as added by 1974, ch. 3, sec. 5, p. 17.]
(1) No person shall:
(a) Tamper with or injure or attempt to injure any voting machine or vote tally system to be used or being used in an election;
(b) Tamper with any voting machine or vote tally system that has been used in an election; or
(c) Prevent or attempt to prevent the correct operation of any voting machine or vote tally system.
(2) No unauthorized person shall make or have in his possession a key to a voting machine to be used or being used in an election.
(3) The secretary of state may authorize access to voting machines or vote tally systems with consent of the county clerk for the purposes of testing, inspection, maintenance, or any other reason deemed necessary by the secretary of state. Such authorization shall be in writing.
(4) Neither the secretary of state nor any officer or employee of any county, city, district or other political subdivision using voting machines or vote tally systems shall solicit or accept any compensation, other than amounts paid by the governmental unit, in connection with the sale, lease or use of voting machines or vote tally systems.
[34-2404, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 135, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 3, p. 902.]
(1) After consultation with the county clerk as chief elections officer of his county, the governing body at any regular meeting or a special meeting called for the purpose, may rent, purchase or otherwise procure, and provide for the use of, in all or a portion of the election precincts of the county, any voting machine or vote tally system which the governing body deems to be in the best interest of that county and which machine or system is approved by the secretary of state.
(2) Thereafter the voting machine or vote tally system shall be used for voting and for receiving, registering and counting the votes in all primary and general elections held in such precincts.
(3) In all other elections, the voting machine or vote tally system may be used for voting, receiving, registering and counting the votes at the direction of the county clerk.
[34-2405, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 136, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 129, sec. 1, p. 257.]
(1) In procuring the necessary voting machines or vote tally systems to be used, a governing body of any county, city, district or other political subdivision in the county, may by agreement entered into by the board of county commissioners and the governing bodies of cities, districts or other political subdivisions, provide for the joint purchase and subsequent ownership of voting machines or vote tally systems and for the care, maintenance and use of the machines or vote tally systems.
(2) The governing body of two (2) or more counties may by agreement provide for the joint use of voting machines or vote tally systems.
[34-2406, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 137, p. 351.]
(1) The governing body may, on the adoption and purchase of voting machines or vote tally systems, provide for their payment in the method it determines to be for the best interest of the county, city, district or other political subdivision. The governing body may make contracts for the purchase of the machines or vote tally systems with such provisions with regard to price, manner of purchase and time of payment that the governing body determines are proper.
(2) For the purpose of paying for voting machines or vote tally systems, the governing body may:
(a) Issue bonds, warrants, notes or other negotiable obligations. The bonds, warrants, certificates, notes or other obligations shall be a charge upon the county, city, district or other political subdivisions.
(b) Pay for the voting machines or vote tally system in cash out of the general fund.
(c) Provide for the payment for the voting machines or vote tally systems by other means.
(3) In estimating the amount of taxes for the general fund, if any, the amount required for payment for voting machines or vote tally systems shall be added, extending over the time required to pay for the machines or vote tally systems.
[34-2407, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 138, p. 351.]
The governing body of any county shall, prior to authorizing the issuance of bonds obtain the approval in writing of the secretary of state as to the type and number of machines or vote tally systems to be purchased and the price to be paid therefor.
[34-2408, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 139, p. 351.]
(1) The secretary of state shall publicly examine all makes of voting machines or vote tally systems submitted to him and determine whether the machines or vote tally systems comply with the requirements of this chapter and can safely be used by voters at elections under the provisions of this chapter. All voting machines or vote tally systems shall be certified by the secretary of state for use in Idaho. Except for functions or capabilities unique to this state, voting machines and vote tally systems shall be tested by a voting system testing laboratory prior to the examination of voting machines and vote tally systems by the secretary of state.
(2) Any person owning or interested in a voting machine or vote tally system may submit it to the secretary of state for examination. No examination shall be conducted unless documentation is provided indicating that the voting machine or vote tally system meets United States election assistance commission guidelines. For the purpose of assistance in examining the machine or vote tally system, the secretary of state may employ not more than three (3) individuals who are expert in one (1) or more of the fields of data processing, mechanical engineering, and public administration. The compensation of these assistants shall be paid by the person submitting the machine or vote tally system.
(3) Within thirty (30) days after completing the examination of any voting machine or vote tally system, the secretary of state shall make and file in his office his report and determination of certification on the machine or vote tally system, together with a written or printed description and drawings or photographs clearly identifying the machine or vote tally system and the operation thereof. As soon as practicable after such filing, the secretary of state upon request shall send a copy of the report to any governing body within the state.
(4) Any voting machine or vote tally system that receives the certification of the secretary of state may be used for conducting elections in this state. Any machine or vote tally system that does not receive such certification shall not be adopted for or used at any election. After a voting machine or vote tally system has been certified by the secretary of state, any change or improvement in the machine or vote tally system that does not impair its accuracy, efficiency, or capacity shall not render necessary a reexamination or recertification of the machine or vote tally system.
(5) Any voting system, including paper ballots, that was used in the 2004 general election shall be continued to be authorized for use as long as the voting system meets the requirements of the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," Public Law 107-252.
(6) For all elections conducted after 2004, no direct recording electronic voting device shall be used unless the direct recording electronic voting device has a voter verifiable paper audit trail. Any certifications of a direct recording electronic voting device without a voter verifiable paper audit trail are hereby declared null and void.
(7) The secretary of state may periodically review the various voting systems that have been certified for use in the state to ensure such systems meet the guidelines set forth by the United States election assistance commission and the national institute of standards and technology. Any voting system that does not meet such guidelines may be decertified after a public hearing.
[34-2409, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 140, p. 351; am. 2001, ch. 272, sec. 4, p. 995; am. 2005, ch. 282, sec. 1, p. 918; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 8, p. 623; am. 2012, ch. 179, sec. 1, p. 470; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 4, p. 903.]
(1) No voting machine or vote tally system shall be approved by the secretary of state unless it is constructed so that it:
(a) Secures to the voter secrecy in the act of voting.
(b) Provides opportunity for voters to vote for candidates of as many political parties or organizations as may make nominations and for or against as many measures as may be submitted.
(c) Permits the voter to vote for any person for any office and upon any measure that he has the right to vote for.
(d) Permits the voter, except at primary elections, to vote for all the candidates of one (1) party or in part for the candidates of one (1) party and in part for the candidates of one (1) or more other parties.
(e) Permits the voter to vote for as many persons for an office as he is lawfully entitled to vote for but no more.
(f) Prevents the voter from voting for the same person more than once for the same office.
(g) Correctly registers or records all votes cast for any and all persons and for or against any and all measures.
(h) Can reject any vote cast in excess of the number that the voter is entitled to vote, which shall be considered an overvote.
(i) Provides that a vote for more than one (1) candidate cannot be cast by one (1) single operation of the machine or vote tally system.
(2) A vote tally system shall be:
(a) Capable of correctly counting votes on ballots or ballot cards on which the proper number of votes have been marked for any office or question or issue that has been voted.
(b) Capable of ignoring the votes marked for any office or question or issue where more than the allowable number of votes have been marked, but shall correctly count the properly voted portions of the ballot card.
(c) Capable of accumulating a count of the specific number of ballots or ballot cards tallied for a precinct, accumulating total votes by a candidate for each office, and accumulating total votes for and against each question and issue of the ballots or ballot cards tallied for a precinct.
(d) Capable of tallying votes from ballots or ballot cards of different political parties, from the same precinct, in the case of a primary election.
(e) Capable of accommodating rotation of candidates’ names on the ballot or ballot card, provided that all ballots or ballot cards from one (1) precinct shall be of the same rotation sequence.
(f) Capable of automatically producing precinct totals in either printed, marked, or digital form, or combinations thereof.
(3) No vote tally system shall be connected to the internet at any time, and no vote tally system shall receive or transmit data through wireless communications. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to electronic poll books authorized pursuant to section 34-1106A, Idaho Code.
[34-2410, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 141, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 5, p. 904.]
(1) The secretary of state shall issue an administrative order outlining the duties of each of the clerks on the election board. He shall devise and prescribe for use by each local election officer the contents, form, character and kinds of ballots, ballot cards, formats, records, papers and documents and other materials and supplies and procedures necessary in the use of voting machines or vote tally systems and in the process of counting and tabulating the ballots by mechanical or electrical counting devices or equipment or computers.
(2) The secretary of state shall prescribe rules to achieve and maintain the maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, and efficiency on the procedures of voting and of counting, tabulating, and recording votes by the devices, machines or vote tally systems and methods provided by this chapter.
[34-2411, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 142, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 6, p. 905.]
(1) The election board of each election precinct in which a voting machine or vote tally system is used shall consist of an election judge and one (1) or more clerks. Each election board shall contain personnel representing all existing political parties if a list of applicants has been provided to the county clerk by the precinct committeemen of the precincts at least sixty (60) days prior to the primary election. The county clerk shall establish the number of election board clerks.
(2) The qualifications and duties of election judges shall apply to the appointment of election board clerks in counties or precincts where voting machines or vote tally systems are used.
[34-2412, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 143, p. 351; am. 1974, ch. 75, sec. 1, p. 1162; am. 1989, ch. 346, sec. 1, p. 873; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 12, p. 578.]
(1) Before each election at which voting machines or vote tally systems are to be used, the county clerk of a county, in which voting machines or vote tally systems are to be used, shall cause them to be properly prepared and shall cause the election board to be properly instructed in their use.
(2) For the purpose of giving such instruction, the county clerk shall call the meeting or meetings of the election board that are necessary. Each election board shall attend the meetings and receive the instruction necessary for the proper conduct of the election with the machine or vote tally system.
(3) No election board judge or clerk shall serve in any election at which a voting machine or vote tally system is used unless he has received the required instruction and is fully qualified to perform the duties in connection with the machine or vote tally system; but this requirement shall not prevent the appointment of an election board clerk to fill a vacancy in an emergency.
[34-2413, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 144, p. 351; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 13, p. 579.]
(1) The election officer charged with the duty of providing ballots shall provide all necessary instruction, forms and supplies required for the proper use of the voting machines or vote tally systems.
(2) Within a proper and reasonable time before the first election at which voting machines or vote tally systems are to be used, the secretary of state shall prepare samples of the printed matter and supplies required. He shall furnish one (1) of each of the samples to the election officer in charge of the election of each county, city, district or other political subdivision in which the machines or vote tally systems are to be used.
(3) The county clerk or other election officer shall deliver voting machines to each election board as provided for election supplies.
[34-2414, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 145, p. 351.]
(1) The election board of each election precinct in which a voting machine is to be used shall meet at the polling place for the election precinct at least thirty (30) minutes before the time set for opening the polls. Before preparing the machine for voting, the election board shall cause the voting machine to be placed where it can be conveniently attended by the election board and conveniently operated by the voters and where the machines can be plainly seen by the election board and the public when not being voted on.
(2) After performing its duties as provided in this section, the election board shall certify to the fact in the appropriate places in the poll book.
[34-2415, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 146, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 7, p. 905.]
(1) In preparing a voting machine for an election, the county clerk or the clerk of the city, district or other political subdivision, as the case may be, shall:
(a) Arrange the machine so that it shall in every particular case meet the requirements of voting and counting at such elections; and
(b) Thoroughly inspect and test the machine and file a certificate in his office.
(2) Representatives of political parties and candidates shall be permitted to examine the voting machines or vote tally systems.
[34-2416, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 147, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 8, p. 905.]
Before preparing the voting machines or vote tally systems for any election, the county clerk shall mail to the chairman of the county or legislative district central committees of each political party who has notified such clerk that notice is desired, a written notice stating the time and place or places where voting machines or vote tally systems will be prepared for the election. At such times and places, one (1) representative of each political party is entitled to be present and see that the machines or vote tally systems are properly prepared and placed in proper condition and order for use at the election. In nonpartisan elections each candidate may designate one (1) representative who has the same powers as the political party representatives. The political party and candidate representatives shall certify that they have witnessed the testing and preparation of the machines or vote tally systems. The certificates shall be filed in the office of the county clerk.
[34-2417, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 148, p. 351.]
(1) The ballots required to be furnished for general or special elections shall be printed in black ink on clear white material of such size and arrangements as to suit the construction of the machine. The ballot for measures may contain a condensed statement of purpose for each measure to be voted on, accompanied by the words "Yes" and "No." The title of the offices on the ballot shall be printed in type as large as the space for the office will reasonably permit. Where more than one (1) candidate can be voted for an office, there shall be printed below the office title words indicating the number the voter is lawfully entitled to vote for out of the whole number of candidates, such as "Vote for Two."
(2) The ballots required to be furnished for primary elections may be of different colors for the political parties who are nominating or electing candidates.
(3) The judiciary ballot may be added to the ballot for the political parties. Candidates for the above offices will be shown under the general title of nonpartisan judicial candidates.
(4) When a vote tally system is used, the county clerk shall prepare the ballots as nearly as practicable as required by law.
[34-2418, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 149, p. 351; am. 1994, ch. 54, sec. 4, p. 94; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 9, p. 906.]
In each primary and general election when two (2) or more persons are candidates for nomination or election to the same office, the county clerk or the clerk of a city, district or other municipality in which voting machines or vote tally systems are used shall rotate the names of candidates as directed by the secretary of state.
[34-2419, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 150, p. 351.]
The election board shall occasionally examine the voting machine and the ballots to determine that the machine and the ballots have not been damaged or tampered with.
[34-2420, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 151, p. 351; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 10, p. 906.]
(1) If any voting machine used in any election precinct, during or before the time the polls are opened, becomes damaged so as to render it inoperative in whole or in part, an election board clerk immediately shall notify the election officer charged with the care of the machine.
(2) If possible, the election officer so notified shall repair the machine at once or substitute another machine for the damaged machine.
(3) If no other machine can be procured for use at the election and the damaged machine cannot be repaired in time for further use at the election, or where in the discretion of a majority of the members of the election board it is impracticable to use the machine, the election board shall permit the voters to use paper ballots prepared as in cases where paper ballots are used. The paper ballots shall be furnished to the election board by the county clerk. The paper ballots shall be issued, voted and deposited in ballot boxes in as nearly the same manner as provided by law, except that the paper ballots shall not be tallied and returned by the election board. Instead, these paper ballots shall be delivered to the county clerk for his tally and canvass.
[34-2421, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 152, p. 351; am. 1971, ch. 5, sec. 7, p. 11.]
(1) At the hour for closing the polls, the election board shall declare the polls of the election closed and shall not permit any further voting. However, electors who are, at the hour of closing, within the polling room or awaiting their turn to vote shall be considered as having begun the act of voting and shall be permitted to cast their votes.
(2) At any time prior to the closing of the polls provision may be made for the delivery of voted ballots to the county clerk or the clerk of a city, district or other political subdivision for counting. If such procedure is adopted, the result of this early count shall not be released to the public until after 8:00 p.m. of election day.
[I.C., sec. 34-2422 as added by 1971, ch. 5, sec. 8, p. 11.]
The county clerk may provide that absent voting shall be either by voting machine or by marking a paper ballot or a combination of both. In any of the foregoing cases he may establish one (1) absent elector unit to handle and process absent elector ballots for each legislative district within his county and shall cause sufficient ballots of the proper kind or kinds to be provided.
Voted ballots shall be retained by the county clerk until election day when they shall be transferred to the ballot processing center and thereafter made a part of the election returns.
[34-2423, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 154, p. 351; am. 1976, ch. 73, sec. 2, p. 243.]
In any election where voting machines or vote tally systems are used:
(1) Paper ballots may be used to record the electors’ votes for party offices.
(2) Paper ballots may be used to record the electors’ votes for or against municipal candidates or measures.
(3) Paper ballots which are used in conjunction with voting machines may be returned to the office of the county clerk for counting by special counting boards. Ballots so counted shall be tallied and returned by precinct or polling location for elections conducted pursuant to chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code.
(4) Ballots or ballot cards may be returned to the office of the county clerk for counting.
(5) In the event that paper ballots are used in conjunction with voting machines or vote tally systems to record write-in votes, these paper ballots may be returned to the office of the county clerk for counting by special counting boards. Ballots so counted shall be tallied and returned by precinct or polling location for elections conducted pursuant to chapter 14, title 34, Idaho Code.
[34-2424, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 155, p. 351; am. 2012, ch. 211, sec. 14, p. 579.]
(1) At each primary, general and special election there shall be provided as many sample ballots as the county clerk considers necessary. The sample ballots shall be prepared and distributed as provided by law.
(2) For each primary, general and special election the county clerk shall cause to be published a facsimile, except as to size, of the sample ballot required in subsection (1) of this section.
[34-2425, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 156, p. 351.]
(1) Each county clerk shall hold a public logic and accuracy test prior to election day to demonstrate to the public that the vote tally system is accurately reading and tabulating votes cast. Each county clerk utilizing a voting machine shall conduct internal election setup testing to ensure electronic vote tally system functionality and accuracy.
(2) Public notice shall be published on the county’s official website, if the county maintains a website, or shall be posted within the office of the county clerk at least ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the public test.
(3) The county clerk shall adopt procedures for testing that ensure the vote tally system can:
(a) Verify that each contest position and ballot style on the ballot can be voted and is accurately counted;
(b) Include overvotes and undervotes for each race, if applicable to the system being tested;
(c) Include write-in votes, when applicable to the election;
(d) Determine expected test outcomes depending on marking pattern applied;
(e) Produce a zero report during the logic and accuracy test to show that no ballots have been cast and no votes have been tabulated; and
(f) Allow the county clerk to observe the tabulation of all ballots and compare the actual results to the expected results.
(4) A logic and accuracy test is successful if the actual results are identical to the expected results. In the event a test produces different results from the expected results, the county clerk shall investigate the cause of the variance and repeat the test until accurate results are produced.
(5) Upon completion of a successful test, the county clerk shall declare the public logic and accuracy test complete.
[34-2426, added 2024, ch. 260, sec. 12, p. 906.]
(1) The election board clerks shall instruct electors on how to record their votes on the voting machine or vote tally system, and shall give assistance to any elector who declares that he is unable by reason of physical or other disability to record his vote on the machine or vote tally system, and on request by the elector after he has entered the voting booth, shall give him the necessary information to enable him to record his vote.
(2) Any elector who, because of blindness, physical or other disability, is unable to mark his ballot shall, upon request, receive the assistance of the election board clerks or some other person chosen by the elector in the marking thereof. Such clerks or person shall ascertain the wishes of the elector and mark his ballot in accordance therewith, and shall thereafter give no information regarding such marking. Whenever an elector receives assistance in this manner, a clerk shall make a notation thereof in the combination election record and poll book following the name of the elector.
(3) If any elector, after entering the voting booth, asks for information regarding the operation of the voting machine or marking device, the election board clerks shall give him the necessary information.
[34-2427, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 158, p. 351; am. 1972, ch. 129, sec. 2, p. 257; am. 2010, ch. 235, sec. 20, p. 557; am. 2015, ch. 282, sec. 8, p. 1150.]
All elections, including but not limited to bond issue elections, heretofore conducted pursuant to this chapter and all proceedings had or to be had in the authorization and issuance of the bonds authorized thereat, together with all such bonds when issued, are hereby validated, ratified and confirmed, and all such bonds when issued are declared to constitute legally binding obligations in accordance with their terms. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or validate any bond election, or bonds issued pursuant thereto, the legality of which are being contested at the time this act takes effect.
[I.C., sec. 34-2429, as added by 1974, ch. 3, sec. 6, p. 19.]
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