Idaho voters with disabilities are
Determined to Vote
Your voter toolkit from Disability Rights Idaho
I have rights. I have help.
I have a voice.
Idaho’s voter ID laws have changed
Idahoans with disabilities face all sorts of challenges: every day when you wake up, you are adaptive, resilient, and determined. For eligible voters with disabilities, the changes to Idaho’s voter ID laws do not change your right to vote, and there are resources and help available to access voting.
This November, make your voice heard on the issues you care about alongside other eligible voters with disabilities.
Your vote is your voice.
Make it heard.
Know your rights and get registered
Idaho’s voter identification laws have changed. There are resources and help available to you to access your right to vote.
Are you eligible to vote?
You can register to vote in Idaho with a current Idaho driver’s license or ID card if you meet the following requirements:
- are 18 years of age or older
- are a United States Citizen
- have been a resident of Idaho for at least 30 days before the day of the election
- Note: individuals with a felony conviction may not register until the terms of their sentence have been completed
The same rules apply to everyone and there are no special tests to vote in Idaho.
Do you have a photo ID with your current legal name?
Idaho’s voter identification laws have changed. You must have an accepted and valid photo ID to register to vote.
You can register to vote with a current version of any of the following:
- an Idaho driver’s license
- a federal passport
- a tribal ID card
- a concealed weapons license issued by a county sheriff in Idaho
- a free voter identification card
If your photo ID does not have your current address, you will also need proof of your residence. Visit voteidaho.gov for a full list of acceptable residence documentation and bring proof of your residence with you to register to vote.
Visit a county DMV office to get a free ID card for voting. Visit the Idaho Transportation Department website for more information about free ID cards for voting.
Visit voteidaho.gov to register to vote online and for more voter registration information.
What is the free ID for voting?
If you do not have a driver’s license or other accepted form of ID for voting, you can get a free ID for voting from the DMV.
To get the ID you will need to show proof of your residence and identity. Visit a county DMV office to get a free ID card for voting: be sure to indicate the ID is for voting so it will be free of charge. You will receive a temporary paper ID while you wait for your ID to come in the mail. Visit the ITD website for more information about free ID cards for voting.
Si tiene una discapacidad que le impide acceder al DMV para obtener su identificación gratuita para votar, es posible pedir una adaptación para su discapacidad. Comuníquese con el Departamento de Transporte de Idaho (ITD) directamente para solicitar una adaptación. Puede enviar un correo electrónico a civilrights@itd.idaho.gov o llamar al 208-334-8884 para hacer su solicitud.
Si aún necesita ayuda después de comunicarse con ITD, llame gratis a Disability Rights Idaho al 1-866-262-3462.
What is your voter registration status?
You will need to register to vote if this is your first time voting, OR update your registration if:
- you have moved
- you have changed your name
- you have not voted in the past four years.
The process for updating your registration is the same as registering to vote for the first time. Register to vote online or contact your county clerk to register to vote in person and for additional help registering to vote. If you’re not sure about your registration status, you can search for your voting record online.
Make your plan to vote
The best way to ensure your voice is heard is to start early, make a plan ahead of time, and ask for the assistance you need.
What help will you need or want to vote?
Federal law says that people with disabilities must have equal access to voting. Voting locations have to be accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, each voting location has to provide assistive technology for voters with disabilities to access their right to vote independently or with assistance. These are often called ballot marking devices or accessible voting machines.
The assistive technology available at voting locations allows you to listen to an audio transcription of the ballot, zoom in on text or make it bigger, adjust contrast, and use adaptations for marking the ballot. Ballots cast with accessible voting equipment are counted in the same way as other ballots.
Visit voteidaho.gov to learn more about accessible voting. You can also call your county clerk or or Secretary of State’s office ahead of time to ask what kinds of ballot marking devices and other assistive technology will be at your polling place for you to use.
Will you want someone to help you vote?
You have the right to private and independent voting. You also have the right to assistance if you need help voting.
You can also ask poll workers or almost any else you would like to help you vote. The only people that cannot help you vote are your employer or their agent, your union representative, or a political candidate in the election that you are voting in.
A person who you ask to help you vote can never choose for you or try to influence your choices.
What if you have problems registering or voting?
If you experience any barriers to voter registration or exercising your right to vote, please call Disability Rights Idaho, toll-free, at 1-866-262-3462.
Make your voice heard
Make sure you have what you need to register and to vote and remember that you can ask for help too.
Will you vote early, by mail, or in person?
Once you’re registered to vote, you have options: you can vote early, vote by mail (absentee), or vote in person on Election Day.
- To vote early in person, check with your county clerk for early voting locations
- To vote by mail (absentee), request your absentee ballot
- To vote in person on election day, find your polling location, and be prepared by knowing what to expect voting in person on Election Day
Do you know where you’ll be voting?
You can visit the Secretary of State’s website to find your polling location to vote on Election Day. If you’re voting early in person, check with your county clerk for early voting locations.
What if you have problems voting?
If you experience any barriers to voter registration or exercising your right to vote, please call Disability Rights Idaho, toll-free, at 1-866-262-3462.
Key Deadlines
Preregistration Deadline for General Election
Early Voting in General Election Begins
Absentee Ballot Application Deadline
Early Voting in General Election Ends
In-Person Absentee Application Deadline
General Election Day
Resources
Voting in
Idaho FAQs
What form of ID do I need to register to vote?
Idaho’s voter identification laws have changed. You must have an accepted and valid photo ID to register to vote. If your photo ID does not have your current address, you will also need proof of your residence.
You can register to vote with:
- a driver’s license
- a federal passport
- a tribal ID card
- a concealed weapons license issued by a county sheriff in Idaho
- or a free voter identification card
Learn more at voteidaho.gov.
How do I get a free ID for voting?
To get the ID you will need to show proof of your residence and identity. Visit a county DMV office to get a free ID card for voting: be sure to indicate the ID is for voting so it will be free of charge. Visit the Idaho Transportation Department website for more information about free ID cards for voting.
What if I can’t get to the DMV to get a free ID for voting?
If you have a disability that prevents you from accessing the DMV to get your free ID for voting, you may be able to ask for an accommodation for your disability. Contact the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) directly to request an accommodation. You can email civilrights@itd.idaho.gov or call 208-334-8884 to make your request.
If you still need help after contacting ITD, please call Disability Rights Idaho, toll-free, at 1-866-262-3462.
How do I register to vote?
Register to vote online or contact your county clerk to register to vote in person and for additional help registering to vote. If you’re not sure about your registration status, you can search for your voting record online.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
You can register to vote in person when you vote early or at the polls on Election Day. Bring your accepted form of identification and proof of residence. Visit voteidaho.gov for a full list of acceptable forms of ID and proof of residence documentation.
Do I need to give a reason to request an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter in Idaho can request an absentee ballot be mailed to their home. No excuse is required. Request your absentee ballot at least 11 days before Election Day: this year, by October 25th.
Where do I vote?
Will my voting location be accessible?
Federal law says that people with disabilities must have equal access to voting. Voting locations have to be accessible for people with disabilities. There also has to be at least one machine or system available for people with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Ballots cast using the accessible voting equipment are counted in the same way as other ballots. Visit voteidaho.gov to learn more about accessible voting.
You also have the right to assistance if you need help voting. You can ask poll workers or almost anyone else you would like to help you vote. The only people that cannot help you vote are your employer or their agent, your union representative, or a political candidate in the election that you are voting in.
What do I need to bring to my voting location?
If you choose to vote in person, bring an accepted and valid form of photo identification. All voters are required to show photo identification or sign a statement swearing to their identity and address to vote in person.
If you are not registered to vote, bring an accepted and valid form of photo identification and proof of residence to your polling location. Learn more at voteidaho.gov.
What assistance is available to me to vote?
Each voting location is required to provide assistive technology for voters with disabilities to access their right to vote independently or with assistance. These are often called ballot marking devices or accessible voting machines.
The assistive technology available at voting locations allows you to listen to an audio transcription of the ballot, enlarge or zoom in on text, adjust contrast, and use adaptations for marking the ballot. Ballots cast with accessible voting equipment are counted in the same way as other ballots.
You also have a right to assistance if you need help voting. You are allowed to bring someone with you to assist you in the voting process, including bringing them into the voting booth. You can ask poll workers or almost anyone else you would like to help you vote. The only people that cannot help you vote are your employer or their agent, your union representative, or a political candidate in the election that you are voting in.
Questions or concerns about accessible voting options? Get in touch with your county clerk for more information.
Can someone help me vote?
You are allowed to bring someone with you to assist you in the voting process, including bringing them into the voting booth.
You can also ask poll workers or almost any else you would like to help you vote. The only people that cannot help you vote are your employer or their agent, your union representative, or a political candidate in the election that you are voting in.
A person who you ask to help you vote can never choose for you or try to influence your choices.
Can I still vote if I live in a facility?
Yes! If you are staying at a hospital or facility and cannot leave that facility to vote in-person on election day, absentee voting might be the best option for you.
You can ask facility staff to help you vote if you have a disability, and they must help you. Staff can help you by:
- getting you a voter registration form
- helping you register to vote online
- contacting the county elections office for you
- helping you request an absentee ballot
- helping you fill out your ballot
- helping you return an absentee ballot
If the facility where you live is your permanent address, you might need to update your voter registration with your new address. You will also need to request an absentee ballot from the county where you are now living.
If you are not sure where you will be staying when your absentee ballot comes, make your best guess, and tell facility staff, friends, or family your ballot is coming. Plan for them to get your ballot to you if your situation changes before the ballot arrives.
Can I still vote if I have a guardian?
Yes! Even if you have a guardian you can still vote in Idaho unless a judge has specifically ordered that you are not allowed to vote. Your vote is your choice, not your guardian’s.
What if I have problems registering or voting?
If you experience any barriers to voter registration or exercising your right to vote, please call Disability Rights Idaho, toll-free, at 1-866-262-3462, or use our online intake form.
Need more help?
If you experience any barriers to voter registration or exercising your right to vote, please call Disability Rights Idaho, toll-free, at 1-866-262-3462, or fill out our online intake form.