The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to revise election procedures, including the filing of declarations of candidacy and intent, as well as the conduct of elections across different districts. Key changes include the establishment of specific deadlines for candidates to file their declarations, such as requiring them to do so by 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Friday before the general election. It also introduces new requirements for write-in candidates, clarifying that their declarations of intent must be filed during a designated time period. Additionally, the bill allows for the declaration of candidates as elected without an election if the number of qualified candidates matches the number of positions available.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the voter registration process by changing the registration deadline from twenty-four days to eleven days before an election, and it specifies that mail registration applications must be received by the county clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election. It also extends the timeframe for the board of county commissioners to canvass election returns from five to nine days after the election and updates provisions for judicial officers seeking confidentiality for their addresses. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to streamline election processes, enhance voter registration accessibility, and ensure clarity in candidate qualifications and procedures.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 1-2220, 31-4306, 33-2705, 33-2717A, 34-106, 34-408, 34-410, 34-625, 34-625A, 34-702A, 34-704, 34-705, 34-712, 34-714, 34-715, 34-717, 34-1012, 34-1205, 34-1404, 34-1405A, 34-1407, 40-1305C, 42-3211, 50-407, 50-410, 67-4911, 70-1108, 19-6203