By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Engaging with Idahoans and Preparing for What’s Ahead
The legislative session brings a renewed energy to the Capitol. A building that is relatively quiet much of the year becomes a place of constant activity, filled with conversations, visitors, and opportunities to hear directly from Idahoans across the state. This week was full of those moments: Coach Spencer Danielson and the Broncos stopped by for Bronco Day, I spoke with Idaho Realtors about voters moving to Idaho, welcomed representatives of the Nez Perce Tribe, met with Idaho’s Mining Association, and spent time with fifth graders and a group of high school Senate pages.
Planning Ahead to Protect Idaho’s Elections
But not all of this week’s critical work happened under the Capitol dome. Our office joined the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, the Idaho National Guard, Information Technology Services, and law enforcement partners for a full-day statewide elections tabletop exercise, the second of two we’ve hosted. Over seventy participants from 22 counties came together to strengthen our collective preparedness. These exercises allow elections officials and emergency management teams at every level of government to work through real scenarios, from misinformation and physical threats to weather events and cybersecurity challenges. It’s essential work that helps us stay ready for whatever comes our way.
Welcoming Joe Parris
A well-known and trusted voice in Idaho journalism will be joining our team next week. Joe Parris brings nearly a decade of experience as a reporter and host at Idaho’s largest news station, where he served as Chief Political Reporter and hosted programs including Viewpoint and the station’s 4 p.m. newscast. He was named Idaho Press Club Broadcast Reporter of the Year three consecutive years (2019–2021) and contributed to several Emmy Award-winning newscasts. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Joe will serve as our Public Information Officer. We’re excited to have him on the team!
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.
