If you plan to vote in Idaho’s May primary election and have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted, you need to reregister. Otherwise, your voter registration is valid as long as you vote at least once every four years and remain at the same address.
In order to register to vote, you must have proper identification. That is a current driver’s license or a current picture ID card issued by the Idaho Transportation Department, a current U.S. passport or other identification issued by the U.S. government, a current tribal identification card, or a current license or enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon. (Idaho Code 34-411(3)
If you do not have any of those, you need to get a new drivers’ license or an identification card from the Idaho Department of Transportation. You can use an expired driver’s license for picture ID to get a state ID card, but must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your current address from a bank statement, utility bill or papers showing home ownership or rental agreement. A cell phone bill is not acceptable. (Idaho Code 49-2444)
If you have not changed your name or address since the last time you voted, you can vote absentee or in person with the identification you used last time you voted. They do not need to be current. A student ID is no longer acceptable for voting. (Idaho Code 34-1113)
The last day to preregister to vote in the primary election is April 26. You may also register to vote on Election Day, May 21, or at an early voting place, starting May 6. In Idaho, many elections are decided in the primary election due to the particular political party dynamics in the state.
An unaffiliated voter may declare affiliation to a party on primary election day by signing a form before picking up the ballot. (Idaho Code 34-411A(2)
We hope you will take advantage of this information and participate in Idaho’s primary election.
Elinor Chehey is vice president of The League of Women Voters of Idaho. She lives in Boise.
