Everything you need to know to vote in Idaho on Nov. 3

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 and there are three ways to vote, absentee ballot, early and in-person voting.

Those who want to vote by absentee must request a ballot by Oct. 23. People can go to IdahoVotes.gov to check registration status, request a ballot, update personal information and more. 

“Voting is fundamental to our democratic system of government and a way to get your voice heard. Every vote counts and with tight local races, the outcome can hinge on a small number of votes,” said Chelsea Carattini, communications specialist at the Ada County Clerk’s Office. 

Absentee ballots must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. It is recommended that absentee ballots be mailed no later than Oct. 28, and after this date, ballots should be hand delivered to Ada County Elections to ensure they are delivered on time.

Ballot drop box locations are also available throughout the valley at the Ada County Elections office, Meridian City Hall, Boise City Hall, Eagle City Hall and Kuna City Hall.

Early voting is available at Ada County Elections, Meridian City Hall, Boise Basque Center and Eagle Hope Lutheran Church from Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. Voting locations are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturdays. All locations are closed on Sundays.

Voters can submit their ballot at any of these locations, no matter what county they live in. 

Mobile voting is also available starting Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the valley. Go to adacounty.id.gov/elections/early-voting/ to view locations and more.  

Early or absentee voters must be registered by Oct. 9.

Students that are on-campus residents can vote on Election Day at the Extra Mile Arena in the Blue Room from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All students can also vote early via the Mobile Truck outside of the Boise State Hall of Fame on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. 

People voting in person on Nov. 3 must visit their polling location between 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. Voters must bring a form of government identification, which includes an Idaho drivers license or photo identification card, a U.S Passport or Federal photo identification card, a tribal photo identification card, a current high school photo ID or a concealed carry license issued by an Idaho County Sheriff. 

Polling locations can be found at gis.adacounty.id.gov/apps/electionday/.

Voters can register at the polls on Nov. 3 with a form of photo identification and proof of residence, which includes vehicle registration, current utility bill, bank statement or a pay stub.

Cheyon Sheen, government relations officer for Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) explained their efforts to get students to vote. 

“[ASBSU] reached out to the deans of each college asking them to commit to sharing voter registration information, along with passing this information throughout their respective college,” Sheen said. 

Students can visit TurboVote a site that helps students register to vote, request an absentee ballot and get election notifications, Sheen explained. 

Search #BroncosVote across social media for information from ASBSU about Election Day. According to Caratini, visit AdaCountyElections.com and follow Ada County Elections on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for helpful information

“Make a habit of voting and being engaged in elections,” Caratini said. “Young voters need to be involved in decisions that affect them, and it starts with voting. We try to make the process easy and enjoyable, and we’re ready to help you get registered and find your polling place.”