By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
April 10, 2026
Idaho’s Approach to Preventing and Addressing Voter Fraud
The conversation around election fraud often pulls toward two extremes. Some believe it is widespread, while others believe it does not occur at all. After nearly two decades working in elections, I have found the reality, as it often does, lies somewhere in between.
My responsibility is not to speculate, but to examine the facts. Voter fraud does exist. It is also rare, detectable, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Idaho. My primary duty is to ensure that elections are conducted lawfully, that voting is accessible to eligible United States citizens, and that results are secure and accurate. Voters in Idaho can have confidence in their elections.
In a state with over one million registered voters, election crimes cases are few. They consist of isolated instances such as an ineligible voter casting a ballot, a parent signing and submitting an absentee ballot on behalf of their college-aged child, or someone attempting to vote twice in two locations. Our systems are specifically designed to catch these instances and refer them to law enforcement. These offenses are taken seriously under Idaho law and often carry significant penalties, including felony charges, because elections are foundational to our system of government.
Taking Action
We continue to take additional steps to strengthen this work. In 2024, Governor Brad Little signed the Only Citizens Will Vote Act, prompting a comprehensive review of Idaho’s voter rolls beyond routine maintenance. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Idaho Department of Transportation, we conducted an extensive verification process. As a result, 11 cases were referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.
During the 2026 legislative session, we worked with lawmakers to pass House Bill 697, updating Idaho Code related to election crimes. This legislation provides clearer distinctions between illegal voting, interference with elections, and tampering with election equipment. These updates help ensure that when charges are filed, the public can readily understand what an individual is accused of. I’ll note that over the course of my career, I have seen isolated instances of illegal voting, but never interference with voting equipment.
Layers of Security in Idaho’s Elections
Just as important as enforcement are the safeguards in place to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Idaho’s system is built with multiple layers of security, including: a statewide voter registration system that flags duplicate voting in real time; a strict voter ID requirement (enhanced even further this session with the passage of SB 1322 regarding voter affidavits), systematic voter roll maintenance validated against Driver’s License, Social Security, Vital Statistics, Corrections, and DHS records; paper ballots that serve as the official, auditable record, 100% signature verification on all absentee ballots, voting tabulation systems that are never connected to the internet, and voting systems independently tested and certified by both the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Idaho Secretary of State, with public logic and accuracy testing conducted before every election.
Elections require constant attention, careful review, and a commitment to getting it right. That work does not always make headlines, but it is steady, thorough, and essential. Idaho’s system is built to both prevent and address issues, and it is a responsibility we take seriously every day.
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.
