BY KAREN BOSSICK
The race to vote is officially on today as county clerks begin sending out the first wave of absentee ballots to voters who have requested them.
Despite the pandemic, Idahoans will be able to vote early, in person or by absentee ballot. Here’s what you need to know to vote this year:
NEED TO REGISTER?
Newcomers to Blaine County who wish to vote in this year’s election have until Oct. 9 to pre-register. The deadline is 5 p.m. for paper applications handed into the county clerk’s office, or midnight for online applications. Mailed paper applications must be postmarked by this date.
It’s not the end of the world if you miss the early deadline, as Idaho law allows you to register in person at early voting sites or on the day of the election at regular polling places. You will need a current and valid driver’s license or an identification card issued by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING
You can vote in-person early at the Blaine County Courthouse beginning Oct. 19. Go to the Election Office in the basement of the Old County Courthouse at 206 1st Ave. South, in Hailey. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Oct. 30.
ABSENTEE VOTING
The Idaho Legislature passed a bill that gives county clerks additional time to process the large number of absentee ballots they expect to receive this year a week ahead of Election Day. That means they can open up and scan the ballots—they will not count the votes until Election Day.
Absentee ballots must be received at the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Nov. 3.
IN-PERSON VOTING ON ELECTION DAY
The Legislature passed a bill during its special session in late August that guarantees in-person voting in some form, even if shelter-in-place orders are in effect because of the coronavirus pandemic. Polling places and the county clerks’ offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Questions? Call the Blaine County Election Office at 208-788-5510.