Your voting
guide

These are the current approved methods of providing identification to vote in Idaho:

• Current Idaho driver’s license or identification card 

• Current U.S. Passport or Federal photo Identification card 

• Current Tribal Identification card 

• Current concealed weapons license issued by a County Sheriff in Idaho

NOTE: Voters who are already registered as of July 1, 2023 may use a Current Student ID card from an Idaho educational institution. However, this will no longer be a valid form of identification beginning January 1, 2024.

• Any of the above photo IDs with correct residence address

• Current proof of insurance

• Deed of trust, mortgage, lease or rental agreement 

• A property tax assessment, bill, or receipt 

• A utility bill, excluding a cellular telephone bill 

• A bank or credit card statement 

• A paystub, paycheck, or government-issued check 

• An intake document from a residential care or assisted living facility 

• Enrollment papers issued for the current school year by a high school, or an accredited institution of higher education located within the state of Idaho. 

• A communication on letterhead from a public or private social service agency registered with the secretary of state verifying the applicant is homeless and attesting to the applicant’s residence for registration purposes.

1. What is an absentee ballot?
An absentee ballot allows you to vote by mail instead of going to a polling place in person. This is a convenient option for those unable to vote in person due to travel, health, or other reasons.

2. Who can request an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter in Idaho can request an absentee ballot for any reason. You don’t need a special reason to vote absentee in Idaho.

3. How do I request an absentee ballot?
You can request an absentee ballot online through the Vote Idaho website, or by contacting your local county elections office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 25, 2024.

4. When will I receive my absentee ballot?
Once you’ve requested an absentee ballot, your county will mail it to you.

5. How do I return my absentee ballot?
You can mail it back or drop it off at your county elections office. The ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 5, 2024) to be counted, so mail it early to avoid delays.

6. Can I track my absentee ballot?
Yes, you can track your absentee ballot status through the Vote Idaho portal.

For more information visit VoteIdaho.gov

Before Election Day:

• Check your voter registration status:
  Verify your current legal name and address. If you have legally changed your name, re-register to vote at your county clerk’s office or online at IdahoVotes.gov at least 25 days before the election. You can also register on Election Day at the polls with proper ID.

• Know if you need ID:
  Idaho requires photo ID for voting. Make sure your ID shows your current legal name. If you don’t have ID, you can sign a Personal Identification Affidavit at your polling place. Your gender marker does not need to match your presentation or ID photo to vote​​.

• Consider absentee voting:
  If you’re concerned about presenting ID at the polls, request an absentee ballot by October 25, 2024. You can vote by mail and avoid ID issues altogether. Visit VoteIdaho.gov to request your absentee ballot.

On Election Day:

• Bring your ID or sign the affidavit:
  Bring a photo ID with your current legal name, or sign the Personal Identification Affidavit if you don’t have one. Your gender presentation does not need to match your ID photo for you to vote.

• Know your rights:
  If poll workers question your eligibility due to gender presentation, explain that your gender does not impact your voting rights. Idaho law allows you to vote as long as your legal name and address match your registration​.

• Bring a friend to the polls:
  Voting together can make the experience more enjoyable and encourages others to participate in democracy.

Resources:

• ACLU of Idaho Voter Hotline: 1-800-542-4737

• Transform the Vote

• Voting While Trans

• You may only be registered to vote in one place.

• If you’ve lived in Idaho for at least 30 days, you may register to vote in Idaho using an accepted form of ID and proof of residence.

• You can only use the approved form of photo identification. You cannot use a Student ID.

• You can register and vote while attending college in Idaho or opt to maintain your registration status in your home state.

• You must be an Idaho resident to vote in Idaho elections.

• The residence you consider to be your “home,” whether it be your college/university address or elsewhere, is the address you should use for voting.

• Be aware that changes to your declared residence may affect scholarships or stipends.

• Allow ten days after your naturalization ceremony before updating or creating your record with SSA. This will ensure your name is in the federal database.

• You can also register online at ssa.gov or complete and submit Form SS-5, the application for a Social Security Card.

• If your legal name has changed, ensure you have spelled it correctly on Form SS-5 and provide proof of your U.S. citizenship. You are required to present documents identifying you by your old and new names. This is extremely important to verify your citizenship status.

Living in a shelter:

• If you register to vote early, no proof of residency or photo ID is required; you can simply list the shelter’s address as your residence.

• You can obtain a proof of residency letter from the shelter where you are staying and register on Election Day.

• If you decide to register on Election Day, you will need to present a photo ID and proof of residency.

What if I don’t have a driver’s license or form of photo ID? You can still vote.

• Make sure to register to vote 25 days before the election so that your registration is processed on time.

• On Election Day, you can sign the Personal Identification Affidavit to prove your identity instead of showing your ID.

What if I don’t have an Address? You can use the following options:

• The address of the shelter you are currently staying at

• The cross street or the spot where you usually sleep (for example, “9th and Main” or “Julia Davis Park”)

• The address of your local county.

Helpful Tips:

• Indicate that you are currently unhoused you use the courthouse or a cross street on your voter registration card to clarify the process of verifying an address.

  • Follow up with your County Clerk in person or over the phone to receive confirmation on where your precinct and polling place is located to ensure you know where to vote on Election Day. You can also do this online at www.idahovotes.gov.

Language Assistance:

Voting materials are available in multiple languages. Interpretation services can request assistance at polling stations ahead of time.

Location Accommodations:

Polling places should be equipped to accommodate voters with disabilities. This includes accessible voting machines, ramps, and other necessary adjustments.

You can use the following options:

• If you’re experiencing problems voting, either in-person or by mailing in your absentee ballot or if you have questions about the voting process,

• Contact the ACLU of Idaho Voter hotline: 1-800-542-4737

• If you feel your right to vote was violated, file a complaint by contacting the ACLU of Idaho. ACLU of Idaho: intake.acluidaho.org/voting