Boise voters will head to the polls on Nov. 4 to choose City Council members and decide on land conservation, and more. This guide highlights who’s on the ballot, how to understand the clean water levy, and how to make your vote count.
🧑⚖️ Boise City Council
There are three seats up for grabs in this election and seven candidates.
District 2:
- Colin Nash (incumbent)
- Josh Ellstrom
- Derek James Smith
District 4:
- Jordan Morales (incumbent; running unopposed)
District 6:
- Jimmy Hallyburton (incumbent)
- Lynn Bradescu
- Lisa E. Sánchez
This election will prove more challenging for Hallyburton, who ran unopposed in 2023. Bradescu is a member of the Ada County Republican Central Committee. Sánchez is a former City Council member who has faced questions about her campaign spending.
⛰️ Clean Water and Open Space Levy
Boise voters are being asked to approve an $11 million property tax increase over 2026 to 2027 to fund the purchase and protection of open spaces, parks, wildlife habitats, and clean water initiatives.
A “yes” vote will continue efforts to conserve land, reduce wildfire risks, develop parks, and expand recreational pathways. This would cost homeowners about $40 a year, on average. Supporters argue the levy preserves Boise’s natural environment and addresses park shortages in certain areas. They point to the city’s history of levies for land conservation.
But it's not clear yet whether Boiseans will accept another property tax hike for open space, though city council seems confident the levy will pass. A “no” vote means no new funding, so the city would rely on the remaining $1 million from previous levies.
🗳️ How to Vote
Can’t remember if you’re registered to vote? Confirm if you’re registered in Idaho, here. You can also register on Election Day at your assigned polling location.
Early voting in Ada County takes place Oct. 20 through Oct. 31. Locations will be posted closer to the Nov. 4 election.
Want to vote via absentee ballot? You can request a ballot online. Return your ballot by mail or at any of the following drop box locations by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Ada County Elections
- Meridian City Hall
- Boise City Hall
- Eagle City Hall
- Kuna City Hall
- Star City Hall
You can cast your vote in person from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your assigned polling location. Find your polling location, here. Be sure to bring your photo ID with you. Here’s what else you can expect on voting day.
➕ Check out a sample ballot so you can feel prepared.
