Key Dates and Deadlines
The 2026 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. For those who prefer to vote early, many counties offer in-person early voting from October 13 through October 30. However, the specific dates and locations can vary, so it's best to check with your local county clerk's office for details. The deadline to pre-register to vote online or by mail is October 23. If you miss that deadline, Idaho offers same-day registration, meaning you can register in person at your polling place on Election Day. You will need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of residence, like a current utility bill.
How to Vote by Mail
Any registered Idaho voter can request an absentee, or mail-in, ballot without needing an excuse.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on October 23. You can submit your request online or through your county clerk's office. Once you receive your ballot, you must return it in the provided secrecy sleeve. Completed ballots must be received by your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. Given potential mail delays, officials recommend mailing your ballot as early as possible or returning it in person at your clerk's office or a designated drop box.
The Governor's Race
One of the top contests on the ballot is for the governor's office. Incumbent Republican Brad Little is seeking a third term. After the primary elections on May 19, he faces Democratic challenger Terri Pickens, a fourth-generation Idahoan and attorney who won her party's nomination. Other candidates in the race include Paul Sand of the Libertarian Party and independent John Stegner. The race will determine the state's executive leadership on issues ranging from the economy and education to resource management.
U.S. Senate and House Seats
Idaho voters will also decide a key federal race for the U.S. Senate. Three-term Republican incumbent Jim Risch is running for re-election. His main challenger is independent Todd Achilles, a former state representative who has garnered support from some Democratic leaders. Other candidates include Libertarian Matt Loesby and independent Natalie Fleming. In addition to the Senate race, both of Idaho's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election. In the 1st district, incumbent Republican Russ Fulcher is running, while incumbent Republican Mike Simpson is on the ballot for the 2nd district.
State Legislature and Other Offices
Beyond the high-profile federal and gubernatorial races, the entire Idaho Legislature is up for election. This includes all 35 seats in the State Senate and all 70 seats in the House of Representatives. The results of these local races will determine the partisan balance in Boise and influence state-level policy on everything from taxes to transportation. Other statewide constitutional offices on the ballot include Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Major Ballot Measures
Voters will also weigh in on several significant statewide ballot measures. Perhaps the most prominent is Proposition 1, the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act. This citizen-led initiative seeks to establish a right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability and protect access to contraception and fertility treatments. Another measure on the ballot is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, HJR 6, which would formally designate English as the official language of Idaho in the state constitution. Voters will also decide on HJR 4, a constitutional amendment that would give the state legislature exclusive authority to legalize marijuana or other psychoactive drugs, removing the possibility of citizen initiatives on the topic. Lastly, a nonbinding advisory question asks voters for their preference for an official state gun.
