Idaho Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should check out the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Mail-In Deadlines

General Election: November 4, 2008

Voter Registration

To register to vote in Idaho you must:

• be a citizen of the United States
• have resided in Idaho and in the county for 30 days prior to the day of election
• be at least 18 years old
• not have been convicted of a felony, and without having been restored to the rights of citizenship,
• not be confined in prison on conviction of a criminal offense

How to register to vote:

Use our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also use the Idaho state mail-in voter registration card. Mail your completed form to your County Election Office (the addresses are listed on the second page of the card).  

ID requirements for first-time voters:

If you are registering for the first-time in Idaho, and you register by mail, then you must submit a copy of a current and valid photo identification that shows your name or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and Idaho address with your voter registration application.  If you do not submit this identification, then you will be required to provide it the first time you vote in person or by absentee ballot.

Voter registration verification:

You should receive written confirmation that your voter registration was processed in 2-3 weeks.  Don't panic if you never receive your voter registration card: you don't actually need it to vote.  If you not sure if your registration was processed - or if you simply can't remember if you're register to vote - you can use the voter registration verification tools here.

Absentee Voting

Who can vote absentee:

Good news! Any registered voter can vote by absentee ballot in Idaho.

How to apply for an absentee ballot:

Download and complete the Idaho absentee ballot application. Mail your completed application to your County Election Office.  The addresses are listed on the form.  

ID requirements for absentee voters:

You do not need to submit ID if you've already voted in Idaho at least once.  If you are a first-time Idaho voter  and you did not submit a copy of your ID with your voter registration form, then you must provide a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot application.  You may submit a copy of a current and valid photo identification that shows your name, OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and Idaho address. 

Absentee ballot instructions:

Once the county election office receives your request, they will mail you an absentee ballot. Simply fill it out, sign the outer envelope and mail it back.  Your absentee ballot must received by 8 PM on Election Day.

State Contact Info