Friday Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot for Idaho’s May 19 Primary Election
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho voters who want to cast their ballots by mail have until 5 p.m. Friday to submit an absentee ballot request ahead of the May 19 primary election.
Requests can be submitted online through VoteIdaho.gov, the state’s official election portal. The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office is reminding residents that missing Friday’s cutoff does not mean missing the election entirely — early voting is currently underway in many counties, and voters can still cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
Friday also marks the last day to register to vote through traditional pre-election registration. However, Idaho law permits same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can sign up at early voting locations or at the polls on May 19.
What’s on the Ballot This May
The 2026 primary carries significant weight across Idaho. All three of the state’s congressional seats are contested, along with every constitutional office — including the governorship. All 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature are also on the ballot, as are local offices such as county commissioners and county clerks.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane urged voters to make participation a priority. “Primary elections matter,” McGrane said in a statement. “The races range from Idaho’s congressional seats and state legislative races down to the hyperlocal precinct committeemen who represent your neighborhood.”
McGrane added that the state has made the process accessible, including tools to preview sample ballots and locate nearby early voting sites at VoteIdaho.gov.
Key Deadlines at a Glance
Friday, May 8: Deadline to request an absentee ballot and to complete standard voter registration.
Thursday, May 15: The final day for in-person early voting and in-person absentee voting. Voters in some smaller counties have the option to complete and submit absentee ballots directly at the county office rather than using the mail.
Tuesday, May 19: Primary Election Day. Polls close at 8 p.m., and all absentee ballots must be in the hands of county clerks by that time to be counted.
Bonner County residents can check their registration status, view their specific ballot, and find early voting locations by visiting VoteIdaho.gov. The primary determines which candidates from each party advance to the November general election, making it a critical step for voters who want a say in who appears on the fall ballot.
For more on local government decisions in Bonner County, see the recent appointment of a new Bonner County Fair Board member by the Board of County Commissioners.
What Comes Next
Early voting continues through May 15 at locations throughout Bonner County and across North Idaho. Election Day polling places will be open May 19, with results expected to begin reporting after the 8 p.m. close. For the latest statewide coverage of the 2026 primary, visit Idaho News.