OPINION: Honoring those behind Idaho's historic election

The Nov. 5 general election was a historic milestone for Idaho. With over 900,000 ballots cast, we achieved the highest total voter turnout in state history. This remarkable accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of Idaho’s 44 county clerks, election officials, and poll workers across every county. Their tireless efforts ensured that Idahoans experienced a secure, transparent, and efficient election process.   

Conducting an election of this magnitude is no small feat. It required months of preparation, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to the 12 "Principles of Idaho Elections" — principles that prioritize accessibility, security, and accuracy. Thanks to the meticulous work of election teams, from those managing early voting to the poll workers assisting voters on Election Day, we demonstrated how these principles can translate into real success. 

Leading up to the election, county election officials worked diligently to ensure that Idahoans had every opportunity to participate. The newly updated VoteIdaho.gov served as a vital resource, providing voters with personalized sample ballots and essential voting information. Early voting and in-person absentee voting were offered in all 44 counties, making voting more accessible than ever. For those registering to vote and casting their ballot on Election Day, Idaho’s same-day registration process proved invaluable for over 120,000 voters. 

On Election Day, voters were met with an open and secure system they could trust. Idaho’s paper ballots provide an auditable trail that ensures accuracy. Our voting systems are rigorously tested, never connected to the internet, and paired with updated voter ID requirements. Even after the last ballot is cast, the work continues. Post-election audits in selected counties will further validate the accuracy of the results, reinforcing public trust in Idaho’s elections. 

This year’s historic turnout is a testament not only to Idaho’s robust election process but to the unwavering commitment of the people behind it. To every county clerk, election official, and poll worker: Thank you. Your hard work made this election a success and upheld the integrity of Idaho’s democratic process. 

Idahoans have every reason to be proud — not just of the record turnout, but of the transparent and secure system that made it possible. As an Idahoan, I am deeply honored to witness such commitment to excellence, and I hope you are proud too. Together, we’ve shown why Idaho’s elections are a model of trust and transparency for the nation.

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Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s 28th Secretary of State and took office Jan. 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, he has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.