OPINION: KCRCC Corner — Which voting option is right for you?
The midterm election is Tuesday, November 3.
Idaho is unique. Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Utah conduct all-mail elections, with ballots sent to voters' homes by default. But in Idaho, we have options.
Absentee Ballot
Do you prefer to take your time and research candidates and ballot measures from the comfort of your home? Or maybe you'll be out of town, can't take time off work, have transportation challenges, or don't want to risk an emergency on Election Day. An absentee ballot may be the perfect option for you.
You can request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. The deadline to request one for the November 3 election is October 23 at 5:00 p.m. Be aware that absentee ballot requests are valid only for the calendar year in which they are submitted. You must submit a new request each year.
And did you know that if you change your mind and want to vote in person after receiving an absentee ballot, you can? You can surrender your absentee ballot at your polling location or simply choose not to return it. A new ballot will be issued and only one will be counted.
And lastly, to ensure your absentee ballot is received in a timely manner, the drop box at the elections office is the best place to deposit it.
Early Voting
Do you prefer to vote in person but don't want to risk an emergency, illness, or bad weather on Election Day? Early voting may be the right choice for you.
I remember one cold, frosty November Election Day. It snowed overnight — not too much, but enough to make someone think twice about driving.
To help ensure that nothing prevents you from voting, vote early at the Kootenai County Elections Office. For the 2026 general election, early voting in Kootenai County begins Monday, October 19, and continues through Friday, October 30. Voting is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Early voting offers flexibility and peace of mind.
Election Day
Maybe you're a traditionalist and like to cast your ballot in person on Election Day. You enjoy showing up at the polls alongside your neighbors, hearing your name called as you cast your ballot, and proudly walking away with your “I Voted” sticker.
On Election Day, vote at your precinct’s unique polling location. There are 74 voting precincts in Kootenai County and multiple polling locations. You can find yours at the Kootenai County Elections website.
Voter Registration
Are you new to the area? Welcome! Now get yourself registered to vote. According to Idaho law, you must have been an Idaho resident for at least 30 days before Election Day to register and vote.
Have you moved recently? Make sure your voter registration is up to date. Don't be like the couple who showed up at 7:50 p.m. on Election Day. Polls close at 8:00 p.m. They had walked to the polling location with their two children. Cool, yeah. But they had moved recently and showed up at the wrong polling location. There was no time for them to travel to the correct location and vote. Major bummer.
To register to vote or update your information, head to the elections office. A friendly face is waiting to help you. You can also register online. And if you wait until the last minute, or simply forget, you can register to vote on Election Day at your designated polling location if you have the required ID and proof of residence.
Which Is Your Best Option?
I remember taking my two young children to the local high school to vote. They sat beside me as I filled in the bubbles. It was a great teaching moment. But that stopped in 2011, when Washington State adopted all-mail voting statewide. Coming from a state that stopped voting in person fifteen years ago, I am thankful that I now have options.
As a poll judge, I am busy on Election Day, so I choose early voting. I love that I am required to show my photo ID and that, by law, my name must be announced as my ballot is deposited in the ballot box.
Absentee, early voting, or in person — which option will you choose for this general election?
Kootenai County Elections: https://www.kcgov.us/31/Elections
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Jenny Holmes is a KCRCC State Commiteewoman and liaison to the KCRCC Communications Committee.