Locke: Important dates coming up for election

Kootenai County Clerk Jennifer Locke is reminding voters of upcoming important dates for the Nov. 7 election.

Open voter registration will close Oct. 13 for this election. Voters wishing to participate in the Nov. 7 election are encouraged to register ahead of time, in order to avoid potentially long lines for Election Day registration.

Out-of-state driver’s licenses may no longer be used as identification for voter registration, based on a new law that went into effect July 1. To register, voters will need to provide an acceptable form of ID and acceptable proof of residency for their registration to be valid and complete. Acceptable forms of ID include an Idaho Driver’s License or ID Card, Federal ID (such as a Passport or Military ID), Tribal ID and Idaho Concealed Weapons Permit. A list of acceptable proof of residency documents can be found online at www.kcgov.us/329/Registration-Voting.

What is on the ballot?

“Several different contests and ballot questions are on the Nov.7 election ballot, including city offices, school board trustees, fire district commissioners and various bond, levy, tax and budget questions,” Locke said, in a news release.

Voters will have different ballots depending on where they reside within the county. All voters are encouraged to visit the Kootenai County Elections website at www.kcgov.us/31/elections for information regarding their ballot. Locke reminded voters that only those residing within city limits can vote on city offices and only voters residing within the specific school trustee zone can vote on that school board trustee seat.

Early Voting

The Kootenai County Elections Department will conduct early voting for the Nov. 7 election at the elections office, 1808 N. Third St., Coeur d’Alene, beginning Monday, Oct. 23, and continuing until Friday, Nov. 3, during normal business hours. All eligible voters in Kootenai County may utilize the early voting process. Eligible Kootenai County residents who are not currently registered to vote may register during the early voting period by bringing acceptable photo ID and acceptable 30-Day proof of residency for their current residential address.