English declared official language in Idaho’s Constitution

IDAHO (KIFI) – A strong majority of Idahoans voted to adopt English as Idaho’s official language. 

447,189 Idahoans (63.2%) voted in favor of House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR 6), while 260,848 (36.8%) voted against it.

The passage of HJR 6 enshrines English as Idaho’s official language in the state Constitution.

The amendment provides that “except as required by federal law, English shall be used in all public proceedings, public documents, public instruction, and any other public acts of any public institution in the state of Idaho."

A similar statute had already passed in 2007, but was not placed in Idaho's Constitution.

The 2026 measure had sparked debate because it is more vaguely worded than the previous statute.

Opponents argue it will be a legal question if those exemptions still exist with the wording of the amendment.

However, in a recent interview with Local News 8, Idaho State University Government Relations Specialist Ryan Sargent told Local News 8 that supporters argue the amendment would allow for federal exemptions.

"Proponents of it are very clear that it won't affect foreign language classes or anything like that, leaving exemptions for when federal law requires things to be offered in other languages," Sargent said.

The state constitutional amendment required a simple majority to pass.