Primary Election Day 2026: Reminders as you head to the polls

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) - It is officially Primary Election Day in Idaho, and voters have a few things to keep in mind as they head to the poll booths today.

This election includes several races voters across eastern Idaho have been closely watching: from local county leadership positions to legislative races that could impact issues like education funding, growth, infrastructure, and property taxes.

Election officials are reminding voters to double-check their polling location before heading out, bring an approved form of ID, and remember that Idaho is a closed primary state — meaning voters must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary. In Bonnville County, some polling locations have been moved. For the list, see below:

PREVIOUS LOCATION.........................NEW LOCATION

Dora Erickson Elementary Elks Lodge (640 East Elva Street)

Hampton Inn Lookout Credit Union (East Sunnyside Road)

4-H Education Complex, Taylorview Middle School, and Sunnyside Elementary School also have updated locations for today's election.

If an absentee ballot is still at home, officials advise against mailing it today. Instead, it should be hand-delivered directly to the county elections office before the deadline tonight.

Just a reminder: Since 2011, a law has been in place allowing voters to vote only in the primary of the party they are registered with. However, if a party tells the Secretary of State in writing that they can permit other voters, such as unaffiliated voters or those registered with different parties, to join their primary election. 

"Primary elections matter," said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. "The races on the ballot range from Idaho's Congressional seats and state legislative races down to the hyperlocal precinct committeemen who represent your neighborhood. In Idaho, we make it easy to register, vote, and preview your own ballot before Election Day. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan and vote."

Polls remain open until 8 p.m. tonight, and as long as voters are in line by that deadline, they’ll still be allowed to cast their ballot.

Local News 8 will bring the latest updates to the 2026 primary elections, both online and on all shows. To view election results, click here.