By the Gang of 8
Only citizens can vote in Idaho; that’s now written into our constitution. In November 2024, nearly 65% of voters passed HJR 5, which states: No person shall be allowed to vote in any election in the state of Idaho unless he or she is a citizen of the United States. That left no doubt where Idahoans stand.
That amendment grants Idaho the legal authority to act independently. Under Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, states control voter eligibility for their elections. Idaho doesn’t need federal permission to enforce its amendment, but federal support would make enforcement stronger and easier to defend. This year, Rep. Jaron Crane introduced House Bill 94, directing the Secretary of State to verify citizenship during voter registration by cross-checking federal and state databases. Although HB 94 didn’t pass, it laid out a clear path forward for enforcing what Idaho voters demanded.
Why Federal Action Still Matters
Idaho’s constitution states that only citizens can vote, and the state can enforce this requirement for its own elections. The problem comes with federal elections. By law, Idaho is required to accept the federal voter registration form, which only asks individuals to check a box indicating they’re a citizen, with no proof required. That creates a gap between what Idaho requires under our constitution and what federal law allows through the voter registration process.
That’s why the America First Legal petition matters. Filed on July 16, 2025, it asks the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to require proof of citizenship on the federal form. For Idaho, this would make a real difference:
- Same-Day Registration: Idaho allows voters to register on Election Day with photo ID and proof of residence, but not citizenship papers. A federal rule would give clerks a clear, uniform standard to follow.
- Voter Roll Maintenance: Idaho has to verify citizenship without federal backing after someone registers, often with limited access to federal databases. Requiring proof up front would save time and taxpayer money.
- Legal Protection: If Idaho enforces citizenship verification alone, it could face lawsuits from activist groups. A federal rule confirms that requiring proof of eligibility to vote is common practice across the country, not some unusual step by Idaho.
- Consistency: We already require proof of citizenship for passports, jobs, and benefits. Voting should be protected at the same level.
Idaho doesn’t have to wait on Washington, but an EAC rule would make enforcing our constitution easier and harder to challenge.
Call to Action
The EAC is accepting public comments on this petition until October 20, 2025. Idaho has already led the way by amending our constitution. Now we need citizens to speak up and ensure that federal registration rules reflect what Idaho has already decided.
Submit your comment here: EAC Docket – EAC-2025-0236
Make your voice heard. Tell the EAC that Idaho has already spoken, and it’s time for the federal government to support us.
In Liberty,
Senator Christy Zito, District 8
[email protected]
Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
[email protected]
Substack: @glenneda
Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
[email protected]
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho
Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
[email protected]
Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
[email protected]
Substack: @lucascayler
Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
[email protected]
Substack: @kentmarmon
Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
[email protected]
Substack: @theidahoresolve
Representative David Leavitt, District 25
[email protected]
Substack: @Leavitt4Idaho
About Staff Writer
The Gem State Chronicle brings you news and analysis that empowers you to make positive change in Idaho. Established 2022.
