(Idaho Secretary of State’s Office Press Release, April 24, 2026)
Voting should be easy. Voting should be secure. Voting should be accurate.
None of these statements is controversial. Yet making them a reality requires intention, effort, commitment, and constant vigilance. In Idaho, these aren’t just aspirations; they are the foundation of how we administer elections. They are the principles of Idaho’s Elections.
In 2024, leading up to the presidential election, I joined clerks from across the state to formally announce these 12 principles of Idaho Elections. All 44 county clerks in Idaho signed a letter affirming their shared commitment to upholding these standards. Now, in 2026 and ahead of the May 19 Idaho Primary Election, we continue working every day in counties across the state to ensure you can access voting, that your vote is secure, and that your vote is counted.
12 Principles of Idaho’s Elections
VOTING IS EASY
1. Register to Vote
All Idaho citizens age 18 and older can easily register:
- Online at VoteIdaho.gov
- At your county clerk’s office
- On Election Day at your polling location
You must provide proof of residence and proper identification.
2. Voter Information
- A voter pamphlet is mailed to every Idaho household
- Personalized sample ballots are available at VoteIdaho.gov
3. Vote
Every option to meet your situation:
- Election Day: Polls open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Early in-person voting at designated locations
- Absentee voting: Request online at VoteIdaho.gov (by request only)
VOTING IS SECURE
4. Voter ID Required
Voter ID is required to register and to vote.
Accepted forms include:
- Idaho Driver’s License or Free ID
- Passport or Federal ID
- Military ID
- Tribal ID
- Concealed Weapons Permit issued by an Idaho County Sheriff
No out-of-state ID accepted.
5. Voter Roll Maintenance
Voter rolls are systematically validated against records from the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration, Vital Statistics, Department of Corrections, and Department of Homeland Security.
6. Paper Ballots
All votes are recorded on paper ballots:
- The paper ballot serves as the official record
- Creates a fully auditable document
7. Signature Verification
100% of absentee ballot signatures are verified against voter registration and driver’s license records.
8. No Internet Connection
Voting tabulation systems are never connected to the internet.
VOTING IS ACCURATE
9. Voting System Testing
All voting systems are tested and certified for use by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Idaho Secretary of State.
10. Public Testing
Public logic and accuracy testing is conducted on all voting systems before each election.
11. Post-Election Audits
Random audits of precincts and counties are conducted after every primary and general election.
12. Hand Count Audits
- All audits are conducted via hand count of the paper ballots
- A sample hand count is compared to voting equipment results in all recounts
These 12 principles are more than a list. They are a commitment to Idahoans. They reflect the care, professionalism, and accountability that go into every election.
As you make your plan to vote this May, know that Idaho elections are accessible, secure and accurate. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve, and we remain committed to earning your confidence in every election we administer.
ABOUT SECRETARY PHIL McGRANE
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022.McGrane holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
