By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Training, Teamwork, and Travel: Idaho Prepares for Election Season
Even when it’s not election season, the work doesn’t stop. Across Idaho, in the Secretary of State’s Office and in county clerks’ offices, we’re preparing for the November municipal and district elections, which officially kick off today with candidate filing.
In this so-called election “off-season,” we’ve been on the road, meeting with county clerks and their teams and laying the groundwork for successful elections in November and beyond.
Our office recently conducted regional trainings with more than 100 election professionals in communities across the state, including Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Caldwell. We also joined clerks in Pocatello during the annual Idaho Association of Recorders and Clerks (IARC) conference. These gatherings were valuable opportunities to collectively work through the changes in Idaho’s election landscape, shaped by new legislation, emerging technologies, and evolving federal requirements and resources.
Running elections takes thoughtful planning and the efforts of many, from full-time election staff to dedicated poll workers. Regular regional trainings help ensure consistent, high-quality election processes across all counties, shoring up our shared commitment to the 12 Principles of Idaho Elections: that voting remains easy, secure, and accurate.
We’re grateful to the county clerks and their teams for their partnership. As a state, we’re building elections that set a high bar, not just for Idaho, but for the nation.
Phil McGrane
Secretary McGrane named to NASS Executive Board
Secretary of State McGrane was sworn in as Secretary of the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) at the conclusion of the NASS 2025 Summer Conference, held in Biloxi, Mississippi. He joins a slate of officials from across the country who will serve through July 2026, working to support the mission of the nonpartisan organization.
“I’m extremely appreciative of Secretary McGrane agreeing to serve on this year’s Executive Board. His knowledge and guidance will be invaluable to our team’s leadership and to the association as a whole,” said Michael Watson, NASS President and Mississippi Secretary of State.
About 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.
