Responsive Gov’s Grade TL;DR

This year the Idaho Legislature passed restrictions on ballot returns by third parties. However, the state also expanded eligibility for its free voter ID program to all residents over 18. Therefore, Idaho received a C on this year’s progress report.

Looking Back

Where Idaho Started at the Beginning of 2024

• Automatic Voter Registration: No
• Online Voter Registration: DMV ID
• Same-Day Registration: Yes
• Restoration of Rights: Parole and/or Probation Disenfranchisement
• Vote by Mail: Excuse-Only
• Electronic Registration Information Center Member: No
• Early Voting Opportunities: In-person Absentee
• ID Requirements: ID Requested, but Not Required

Relying on the Cost of Voting Index for Idaho as of 2024, we considered the state a middle tier state for pre-existing voting policy and compared its 2024 activity against other middle tier states.

How Our Tier Compares

• COVI (2024): 27th
• EPI Score (2022): 32nd
• CLC State Scorecard (2022): 7/10
• MAP Democracy Rating (2024): FAIR

2024: This Past Year

Legislative Action

Although the Legislature made small improvements, like expanding the state’s free voter ID program to all, it also passed legislation to restrict third party ballot returns.

• HB 532 expands the state’s limited free voter ID card program to all residents over the age of 18.
• HB 599 restricts third party ballot return by limiting ballot collection to a relative, caregiver, household member, an election official, mail carrier or other person compensated by the voter to deliver their ballot. It also bars individuals, other than election officials and mail carriers, from transmitting more than six ballots.
• HJ 5 is a constitutional amendment that further clarifies the state’s already existing constitutional requirement that voters must be U.S. citizens to vote in Idaho elections. Voters approved the change during the 2024 general election.
• SB 1394 creates new felony election crimes for tampering with vote machines or vote tally systems.

Executive Action