OPINION: Voter registration facts for May primary

If you plan to vote in the May Primary Election and have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted, you need to re-register. Otherwise, your voter registration is valid as long as you vote at least once every four years and remain at the same address. 

In order to register to vote you must have proper identification. That is a current driver’s license or a current picture ID card issued by the Idaho Transportation Department, a current U.S. passport or other identification issued by the U.S. government, a current tribal identification card, or a current license or enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon. Idaho Code 34-411(3)

If you do not have any of those, you need to get a new driver's license or an identification card from the Idaho Department of Transportation. You can use an expired driver’s license for picture ID to get a state ID card, but must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your current address from a bank statement, utility bill, or papers showing homeownership or rental agreement. A cell phone bill is not acceptable. Idaho Code 49-2444

You need to phone your local drivers license office and make an appointment to get a new driver’s license or ID card. 

When you register to vote, you need to enter the number from your current driver’s license or state ID card.

If you have not changed your name or address since the last time you voted, you can vote absentee or in person with the identification you used last time you voted. They do not need to be current. Student ID is no longer acceptable for voting. Idaho Code 34-1113

You can check on your voter registration at the Secretary of State’s website VoteIdaho.gov. You need to enter your name and birth date. It will tell you the address at which you are registered, your legislative and congressional district, and provides a place for you to request an absentee ballot. 

If you are an "unaffiliated” voter, you need to request the ballot for a political party in order to vote in its primary election. The Republican Party requires that you declare as Republican before the primary election candidate filing ends, March 15 this year. You can update your party affiliation at the VoteIdaho.gov website. The Democrats allow unaffiliated voters to vote in their primary election.

The last day to pre-register to vote in the Primary Election is April 26. You may also register to vote on Election Day, May 21, or at an early voting place, starting May 6. In Idaho, many elections are decided in the Primary Election, due to the particular political party dynamics in the state.

An unaffiliated voter may declare affiliation to a party on Primary Election Day by signing a form before picking up the ballot. Idaho Code 34-411A(2)

We hope you will take advantage of this information and participate in Idaho’s Primary Election. 

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Elinor Chehey is vice president for The League of Women Voters of Idaho in Boise.