By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Get Ready to Vote in Idaho’s Local Elections
Election season is here in Idaho, with critical local races appearing on ballots across the state for the Tuesday, November 4 Consolidated Elections. These are the elections that shape the places we live, from city councils to school trustees, fire districts to parks.
Local elections don’t get the same attention as the big national ones, but they hit closer to home.
If you’ve ever spent time at a local park, used emergency services, or paid property taxes, then you’ve seen the impact of local districts firsthand. These elections are where policy meets the pavement—literally.
And if you’ve ever thought, “my vote won’t make a difference,” let me assure you, it does. When I served as Clerk in Ada County, we often saw razor-thin margins in elections, including a highway district election decided by just two votes out of more than 40,000 cast.
In local elections, your vote carries extraordinary weight, and I encourage you to use it!
Key Dates to Know
- Here’s what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this November:
- Early Voting: Begins as early as October 14 (check with your county clerk for dates and locations)
- Pre-Registration Deadline: Friday, October 24 at VoteIdaho.gov
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 24 at VoteIdaho.gov
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 4 – Ballots must be returned by this date
What’s on the Ballot?
This year, more than 200 taxing districts across Idaho will hold contested elections. You can view your personalized sample ballot at VoteIdaho.gov.
Not every Idahoan will have something on their ballot this November.
Local taxing districts operate on different schedules, and their boundaries don’t always follow neighborhood lines. You might have an election, even if your next-door neighbor doesn’t. Check your sample ballot online before heading to the polls.
Get Informed, Get Involved
Your participation in local elections shapes the community you call home. Make your voice heard on November 4.
Phil McGrane
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.
