By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
January 2, 2026
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Big Year for Idaho Elections
If presidential elections are the Super Bowl of elections, gubernatorial election years are the playoffs. And believe it or not, the 2026 election cycle is already underway. A lot is coming up, and my goal is to make sure every Idahoan has the information they need to participate with confidence going into 2026.
What’s on the Ballot
2026 elections will shape leadership at every level. Voters will see races for Congress, Governor, and all statewide constitutional offices. Every legislative seat in Idaho will be on the ballot, along with local races and measures. There are also several citizen-led initiatives that will appear on the ballot if the required signature threshold is reached.
federal, state, legislative, and judicial offices, and March 2-13 for local offices. As always, you can count on VoteIdaho.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information during the filing window.
Primary Elections: Where Your Vote Has the Biggest Impact
One thing we consistently see is that primary elections have the lowest turnout, yet often have the biggest impact. In many races, the primary determines who will ultimately get elected. If you’re looking for the moment when your vote can matter most, this is it.
Keep in mind that your party affiliation determines which ballot you’ll receive in a primary election.
Start the Year Vote-Ready
The start of a new year is a great time to check your voter registration. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted recently, now’s the time to update your information. You can confirm you’re registered, check your party affiliation, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot, all at VoteIdaho.gov.
Remember, absentee ballot requests must be submitted each calendar year.
The decisions we make this year will shape Idaho for years to come. Make sure you’re registered, stay informed, and I’ll see you at the polls in 2026.
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.
