Voting Information
Ways to Vote
Election Day Voting
In-person voting is available on Election Day from 8 AM to 8 PM. Polling locations are specific to your residence address.
Early Voting
Early voting is available starting at least two weeks prior to Election Day. Operation hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Contact the Elections Department at (208) 799-3020 to find were early voting is held for the current election.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting allows you to receive a ballot in the mail and vote from home. Any registered voter in Idaho may request an absentee ballot.
You can request an absentee ballot online or fill out the form and send it in to the Election Department.
Military & Citizen Overseas Voting (UOCAVA)
If you are a United States citizen in the military or currently living abroad and eligible to vote in Idaho, you may register and request an absentee ballot.
You can click the button below to request a UOCAVA Absentee ballot online or fill out a form and send it to the Election Department.
Any questions about the UOCAVA process go to FVAP.gov or contact the Election Department.
Optical Scan Voting Systems
What is Optical Scan Voting?
An optical scan ballot will be used instead of the punch ballots. An optical scan ballot is similar to multiple choice tests you took in High School and College.
When was this system implemented?
Optical scan voting began with the 2009 City of Lewiston election on November 3, 2009.
Why did we change voting systems?
Our old punch card system of voting no longer has sufficient support for maintenance, parts or materials to conduct a reliable election.
What does the optical scan ballot look like?
How Do I use the optical scan ballot?
- To vote, completely FILL-IN THE OVAL directly to the left of the name of the candidate for whom you are voting.
- DO NOT check mark or cross out oval, or circle the candidate’s name. DO NOT make notes, comments or any other marks on your ballot-stray marks may affect your ballot when being counted.
- For write-in candidates, FILL IN THE OVAL located directly to the left of the write-in space and write in the name of the candidate on the line provided.
- If you tear, spoil, or otherwise make a mistake when marking your ballot, ask the poll worker for a new ballot.
How are the optical scan ballots counted?
Ballots are tabulated by a machine that scans the ballot for the darkened ovals and records those marks as votes.