By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
April 3, 2026
Make a Plan for Idaho’s May Primary
When is the next election?
I recently asked that question to a group of young professionals and high school students. A few ventured guesses about dates in November. Many simply weren’t sure.
That response didn’t surprise me. November is what we hear about most, and where much of the attention goes nationally. But what I shared with that group is something I want every Idahoan to know: some of the most important decisions happen well before November, in our May primary election.
Regardless of your political party, many of the most competitive races that will shape the makeup of the state legislature, constitutional offices, Idaho’s Congressional delegation, and even hyperlocal precinct committeemen are decided in the May 19 primary. For many races, the primary plays a major role in shaping what voters will see on the ballot in November.
While the legislature may be wrapping up its work for the year, ours is just getting started. Election season is underway across Idaho.
Absentee ballots are already beginning to go out from county clerks’ offices across the state, and the election cycle is well underway. Here are a few key dates to keep in mind:
Primary Election Important Dates & Deadlines
- April 3 (Today!) – Absentee ballots begin mailing
- April 27 – Early voting begins in many Idaho counties (check your county’s schedule)
- May 8 – Voter registration deadline online (after this date, registration is available at the polls)
- May 8 – Deadline to request an absentee ballot
- May 15 – Early voting ends
- May 19 – Election Day (and absentee ballots due)
If you’re not sure of your registration status, where to vote, or how to request an absentee ballot, I encourage you to take a moment today to check.
Visit VoteIdaho.gov to register, verify your information, find your polling place, or request a ballot.
Our elections work best when people are informed and engaged. Taking a few minutes now helps ensure your voice is part of the decisions that shape our communities.
The May primary matters. I hope you’ll make a plan to participate.
Phil McGrane
Upcoming AARP Teletown Hall
Join us Tuesday morning, April 7, from 10:30-11:30 for an AARP Teletown Hall on Idaho’s Elections.
How to Join:
📞 Call: 866‑767‑0637
💻 Watch live: facebook.com/aarpidaho
Idaho’s election season is right around the corner, and this is your chance to hear directly from Idaho’s top election official, Phil McGrane. We’ll talk about how elections work in our state, what’s new this year, how to be prepared before you vote, and what safeguards help keep Idaho’s elections secure and accessible.
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.
