We answer your common election questions + Ada County voters can hear from commission, ACHD candidates

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“Voters are not required to vote in every race on their ballot for it to count. If they skip a question or contest, the remaining selections on their ballot will still be counted.” - Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson Joe Parris

Voters cast their ballots in the primary election on May 21, 2024, at Linden Park Elementary School in Idaho Falls. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Idaho’s top officials keep getting these common election questions. Here’s the answers to your FAQs.

By Laura Guido

If I don’t fill in a response to every question, does my ballot still count? Can I write in a candidate or write in an answer to the state gun advisory question? Are signatures on absentee ballots verified, and how?

We answer these common election questions and more.

Open voting booths are available to voters at Whittier Elementary in Boise on Nov. 2, 2021. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Ada County voters can hear from county commission, highway district candidates in upcoming forums

By Christina Lords

Ada County voters can hear directly from candidates running for the board of county commissioners and the highway district in two forums later this month, according to a League of Women Voters of Idaho press release.

President Donald Trump points into the crowd after headlining a midterms rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Oct. 5, 2026, at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, with thousands in attendance. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

ELECTION 2026

Trump heads West in latest swing to bolster GOP in rocky lead-up to midterms

By Ariana Figueroa

President Donald Trump this week will journey out West in an effort to galvanize support for Republican candidates three weeks before the midterm elections and convince voters to support his party amid low presidential approval ratings.

MORE FROM US

2026 general election voter guide: The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote. | Idaho Capital Sun staff

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

US senators from both parties blast Trump order to import Russian diesel as illegal | Jacob Fischler
US House Dem leaders condemn Homeland Security raid on home of Rep. Ilhan Omar | Ashley Murray

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Coeur d’Alene Press: New program gives North Idaho veterans a chance to share their stories
East Idaho News: Incumbent Sen. Mark Harris to face Democratic candidate Marty Rotz-Kilhefner for District 35 Senate seat
Idaho EdNews: District 26: History professor and ‘Liberty Alliance’ chairman compete for open seat
Idaho News 6: Kuna School District asks voters to renew $3.6 million supplemental levy

Thanks for reading The Sunrise. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.