Election clerks encourage voters to double-check their registration status

September 19, 2023 9:42 AM

Published September 19, 2023 10:00 AM

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - Every Sept. 19 is known as National Voter Registration Day.

Idaho's Governor Brad Little is encouraging people to come out and make sure they are eligible to vote and register.

"I encourage all interested citizens, appropriate media outlets, and civic organizations to participate in this non-partisan voter registration awareness campaign to encourage the maximum participation of qualified voters in Idaho,” Governor Little said in a proclamation about Voter Registration Day.

Ahead of some important November elections in east Idaho, this year's Voter Registration Day is even more significant.

Rexburg has a three-way race for the Mayor's office, with incumbent Jerry Merrill up for re-election. A number of city council seats are up for elections as well.

Sugar City has two seats up for election on city council.

For a list of the names of those participating, you can go here.

If you need to register or double-check your registered status you can do so by checking at www.VoteIdaho.gov. The Madison County Elections office is happy to help voters through the process.

"They can come here to our office. We have registration cards. People will need to show an Idaho driver's license and proof that they've lived at their current address for at least 30 days. You can also go to vote Idaho dot gov and you can register there. You still will need to bring in proof of residency to our office and show your driver's license," said Kim Muir, the County Clerk of Madison County.

She adds that while Madison County has nearly 20,000 registered voters less than half of them actually turn out.

"We have about 20% probably that turn out to vote in a general election. Some elections for bonds on levees. We've had 2 to 3% as well," Muir said.

City elections also see a 15% voter turnout.

The Elections Office is also encouraging the College Student population in the area, to come out to vote.

"We want everyone who wants to vote to be able to come out and vote, but the law has changed. So students will have to make sure, they have an Idaho driver's license this year, or an Idaho ID. They can come into our office and register and vote with all the proof that they have," Brenda Stoor the Deputy Clerk of Elections in Madison County said.

She adds that students may also participate as an absentee voter in their home state.

"They need to make sure that they know that there could be some changes to their residency if they move back to their home state. So come prepared with the knowledge that if you register in Idaho, that it could affect things in your home state, but we're happy to help them get registered," Stoor said.

The Elections office says that while you can still register at the polls in November, the best thing to do is plan ahead. Whether that means securing your absentee ballot or registering to vote beforehand.

If you want to see the local races in your area you can go here:

Article Topic Follows: Idaho Politics

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Braydon Wilson