Idaho’s primary election is a week from today, so study up on your candidates and figure out when and where you’ll cast your ballot. If you want to cast your ballot before Tuesday, May 21, early voting is currently open and ends on Friday, May 17.
To Vote Early
In Ada County, there are four early voting sites open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and anyone registered to vote in Ada County can vote at any of the locations:
- Ada County Elections Office
- Boise City Hall
- Eagle Public Library
- Meridian City Hall
You can also chase down the mobile voting unit at the Kuna Library today and tomorrow, and at the Lake Hazel Library Thursday and Friday.
Preview your ballot today! (Ada County Elections Office / ArcGIS)
To Find Out What’s on the Ballot
The short version of what’s on the ballot is pretty simple:
- Your state legislators (all 105 Idaho legislative seats are up for the taking).
- Our U.S. House Representatives.
- County commissioners.
- County sheriffs.
- County prosecuting attorneys.
You can preview your ballot by entering the address you’re currently registered to vote at with this map tool from the Ada County Elections Office.
Reminder: The GOP has a closed primary, so only registered Republicans can vote for Republican candidates.
So much hangs in the balance of the Idaho Legislature, but don’t overlook the county commission races. For example, four Republicans are vying for the District 3 seat, and the victor could decide what role the Expo Idaho property plays in county government, how much the county invests in housing, and much more.
To Dig Deeper
Idaho’s local media earns our support year-round, but perhaps never more so than during election season. Here are some of the best resources and perspectives to consider going into this election:
- KTVB’s in-depth guide to candidates, races, and bonds and levies around the state.
- Why precinct committee people always matter — and especially why the GOP’s precinct elections matter right now from the Idaho Capital Sun.
- Proponents for a myriad of programs known as “school choice” are pushing for legislative victories, throwing over $200,000 into contentious GOP races statewide according to Idaho Ed News.
- With all the Republican infighting, this Idaho Capital Sun piece makes you wonder whether new ranks of Democratic contenders will be able to squeeze out a few victories.
