Absentee ballot requests increase in Eastern Idaho

The November general election is fast approaching, but it doesn’t have to be Election Day for you to vote.

In many counties voters have other options like early voting or voting by mail. When it comes to walk-in early voting, counties in Eastern Idaho said less people have come out than anticipated, although they have all seen an increase in requests for absentee ballots this election.

“There’s more mail out than we’ve had in a previous election similar to this one less walk-in, but I think that we will see those numbers pick up next week,” said Bonneville County Elections Supervisor Penny Manning

One of the reasons mail-out absentee ballots may have picked up is because it’s available to all voters registered in Idaho. In previous elections there had to be special circumstances to receive a mail-out ballot.

“The mail absentee has picked up so I’m wondering if more people are choosing to vote by mail than in person,” Manning said.

There are other reasons for a low walk-in turnout like local races with only one candidate on the ballot.

“People are less motivated to vote if there’s not competition,” Manning said.

Despite the lack of competition, officials and voters stress the importance of voting.

“Give your input into what you think would be good for our government,” said
Carol Ann Nelson, a voter.

“It’s the one chance we have to make a difference or make our statement known,” said Manning.

Bannock, Bingham, and Madison counties have also all seen an increase in mail out ballots.

If you are going to vote either early or on Nov. 4 in Bonneville County, the election office has moved to 825 Shoup Ave.