By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Protecting Idahoans Through the Address Confidentiality Program
For most of us, using our address to sign up for public services isn’t something we think twice about. But for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or trafficking, that same information can put their lives at risk.
That’s why this October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to shed light on an important but little-known program that helps protect vulnerable Idahoans — the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).
Confidentiality as a lifeline
Much of the work we do in the Secretary of State’s Office focuses on keeping our state’s elections secure. But we’re also working on a very individual level to keep victims of abuse safe. For Idahoans fleeing dangerous situations, keeping their address confidential isn’t just about privacy — it’s about survival.
Think about how many places require your address: registering to vote, enrolling kids in school, getting a driver’s license, filing for child support, even applying for a job. Each one creates a potential paper trail. And because Idaho’s public records laws are designed for transparency, that information can become accessible to the very people survivors are trying to escape.
That’s where ACP comes in. The program provides participants with a substitute address and mail-forwarding service they can use for all these essential programs and services. But ACP is more than a mailing address — it’s a bridge to safety.
Our office works closely with advocates, state and local agencies, and community partners to support people who are navigating some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
The Need Is Growing
Today, Idaho’s ACP is serving 488 individuals and protecting 203 households. Since the program began in 2008, it has served 776 individuals. Demand is accelerating: we’ve enrolled 142 new participants so far this year, surpassing 107 total new participants in all of 2024. And to keep survivors connected while protected, our office repackaged and forwarded 6,239 pieces of mail in 2024—about 520 pieces each month.
Even with more people finding safety through ACP, there are still many who don’t know it exists. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will you help us share this resource with others?
Visit sos.idaho.gov/acp to learn more about the program and find links to other state and local resources for Idahoans who are in or have recently left abusive relationships.
Join me in shining a light on resources that can change, and even save, a life.
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.
