Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to provide for certain physical presence requirements for state representatives and senators.

This legislation clarifies the requirement that a candidate be physically present in a legislative district to qualify for the Idaho House and Senate. Candidates must be registered electors for one year prior to the general election and physically live in the declared primary residence for at least 120 days in the year prior to the candidate filing date.

Amends existing law to add certain requirements for an affidavit in lieu of personal identification.

This bill adds multiple new safeguards to the voter affidavit process, including additional information required from the voter and prior verification by poll workers and the county before issuing a ballot to the voter. This will ensure safe, transparent, but still accessible elections for all legally registered American citizens and Idaho voters.

Amends existing law to provide certain physical presence requirements for state representatives and senators.

This legislation clarifies the requirement that a candidate be physically present in a legislative district to qualify for the Idaho House and Senate. Candidates must be registered electors for one year prior to the general election and physically live in the declared primary residence for at least 120 days in the year prior to the candidate filing date. Exemptions are provided for active military services or a religious mission.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the form and contents of ballots to be prepared by the Secretary of State.

This legislation amends Idaho Code section 34-903 to revise ballot rotation requirements by applying current candidate name rotation to federal, state, county, and local offices in political entities with more than 25,000 registered voters. It removes the separate voter threshold for other offices and provides a single standard administered by the secretary of state.

Adds to existing law to require certain disclosures by individuals engaged in paid in-person canvassing activities.

This legislation adds a new section to title 67, chapter 66 Idaho Code, to establish requirements for persons engaged in paid in-person canvassing activities. It requires such persons to meet the qualifications of a qualified elector in Idaho, to disclose that they are being paid and identify the person or entity providing payment, and to wear a visible badge stating, “paid political advocate.” The legislation directs the secretary of state to adopt rules to implement these requirements and provides for enforcement.

Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding certain election procedures.

2025 legislation established uniform dates and deadlines for county clerks ahead of elections. This bill cleans up three additional sections that were inadvertently missed, including (1) soil and water conservation districts, (2) sparsely populated precincts, and (3) canvassing timelines.

Amends existing law to allow a political party to add qualifications for precinct committeemen.

This legislation clarifies that political parties may add to the requirements for who can serve as a precinct committeeman in addition to the criteria found in the Idaho Code. Political parties are private associations and as such, they have a first amendment right to choose with whom they may "assemble" with as long as there is no form of discrimination previously determined to be illegal.

Amends and adds to existing law to provide for a presidential primary election.

This legislation seeks to return the March primary for presidential elections. Bringing back the primary is the best way to ensure that Idaho voters have the best opportunity to practice their right to vote on the national level. In 2023, the state GOP passed resolution 2023-28 calling for the return of the presidential primary.

Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for the crime of illegal voting, to provide for the crime of interference with an election, and to provide for the crime of tampering with voting machines or vote tally systems.

This legislation relates to elections. Repealing Section 18-2306, Idaho Code, relating to illegal voting, Interference with an election, and tampering with voting machines or vote tally systems. Making it a felony to do so. Amending Chapter 23 Title 18 Idaho Code by adding a new section 18-2306, Idaho Code, to provide for the crime of illegal voting and making it a felony; Amending Chapter 23, Title 18 by the addition of a new section 18 -2306A, Idaho Code, to provide for the crime of interference with an election; Amending Chapter 23-2306B, Idaho Code, to provide for the crime of tampering with voting machines or vote tally systems, making it a felony and declaring an emergency and providing an effective date.