Tuesday, September 15 marks National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan nationwide event encouraging Americans to prepare for upcoming elections — and Idaho state leaders are using the occasion to push residents to check their registration status ahead of November's midterms.

A Joint Proclamation From State Leaders

Idaho Governor Brad Little and Secretary of State Phil McGrane released a joint proclamation Monday encouraging residents to check their voter status, review registration requirements, and note key deadlines ahead of the November 3 General Election. "I encourage all Idahoans to make a plan to vote in the upcoming November 3rd General Election," McGrane said. "That starts with making sure you are registered and that your registration is up to date with your current name and address. I appreciate Governor Little joining us in encouraging Idahoans across our state to get registered, get informed, and be ready to vote."

The Key Deadline: October 23

The deadline to register online at VoteIdaho.gov for the November 3 election is Friday, October 23 — 11 days before Election Day. This same deadline applies to mail-in registration, which must be received by your county clerk by 5 p.m. on that date.

Missed the Deadline? You Still Have Options

Unlike many states, Idaho offers same-day voter registration. Idahoans who miss the October 23 online or mail deadline can still register in person during early voting or at their polling place on Election Day itself. To register in person, you'll need a current photo ID and proof of residence. Idaho is one of 20 states, plus Washington, D.C., that permit Election Day registration nationwide — meaning Idahoans have more flexibility than voters in many other states if they haven't gotten around to registering ahead of time.

Key Dates to Know

Beyond the registration deadline, several other dates matter for Idaho voters this cycle:

  • Early voting begins October 13 and runs through October 30, though exact dates, hours, and locations may vary by county — voters should check with their county clerk for local specifics.
  • Absentee (vote-by-mail) ballots are available with no excuse required; the deadline to request one is 11 days before Election Day. Voted ballots must be returned by mail, dropped in a secure ballot box, or delivered to your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count.
  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who Can Register in Idaho

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old (or turning 18 on or before November 3, 2026), a resident of Idaho and your county for at least 30 days before the election, and not currently serving a felony sentence — individuals with a felony conviction may register once they've completed the terms of their sentence, including probation and parole.

Checking or Updating Your Registration

Idahoans who are unsure whether they're already registered, or who've moved or changed their name since last voting, can check and update their voter record directly at VoteIdaho.gov. Updating your registration follows the same process as registering for the first time, and residents are also reminded to update their driver's license with the Idaho Transportation Department if their address has changed. Notably, voters who haven't cast a ballot in the past four years may need to re-register.

What Voters Will Need at the Polls

Registered Idaho voters must present a valid photo ID to vote. Anyone unable to provide an acceptable ID has the option to sign a Personal Identification Affidavit instead.

Part of a Broader National Push

Idaho's proclamation is one piece of a much larger nationwide effort tied to National Voter Registration Day, which coincides with a 2026 midterm cycle featuring registration deadlines that vary widely by state — most falling between October 4 and October 27 nationally, according to compiled election data, with 22 states plus D.C. offering same-day registration and North Dakota requiring no registration at all.

What's Next

With just under seven weeks remaining until Election Day, Idaho officials are encouraging residents not to wait until the last minute — even with same-day registration available as a backstop. For more information or to check your registration status, visit VoteIdaho.gov.