How new voter ID laws will impact unregistered voters in upcoming elections
Published at
IDAHO FALLS – As Bonneville and Bingham County voters prepare to cast their ballots on a school levy and bond election next Tuesday, the Bonneville County Election Office is reminding the public about a new law affecting voter registration.
During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed new voter ID laws in hopes of making the process of proving identity and residency easier. The new law took effect on July 1.
RELATED | Local school district will rerun bond for new elementary school in August
One of the major changes to the law is the use of driver’s licenses in registering to vote. Previously, potential voters were able to use an out-of-state license, as long as they could prove they lived in Idaho. But the new law has changed that. Those wanting to use a driver’s license in the registration process are now required to have an Idaho license. The voter’s home address must also match what is on the license.
There are other registration options besides an Idaho driver’s license, such as a current passport or federal photo ID card. A current concealed weapons license issued by an Idaho sheriff is also acceptable. Free state identification cards are now available to student voters because an earlier bill removed student ID cards as an acceptable form of identification.
RELATED | Here’s how to get the new no-fee state ID card in Idaho
More information about the new identification requirements is available here.
Since most people will be registering with a driver’s license, local officials are taking steps to streamline the process.
“For those who do not have a voting ID and are planning to vote, we encourage them to get to the DMV or get their ID now because it may not be so easy on election day,” Bonneville County Elections Supervisor Helena Welling tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Those people who have an out-of-state driver’s license are the ones we’re most concerned about. If they aren’t registered to vote, they’re going to have a tougher time coming up with the right proofs for registering.”
In order to apply for an Idaho driver’s license, an alternative form of photo ID is required. Bonneville County Clerk Penny Manning says they’ve met with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the driver’s license office about this issue. They’ll be working with applicants to move them to the front of the line so they can get an updated license as quickly as possible.
Still, Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the sheriff’s office is encouraging people in this situation to get it taken care of now to avoid last minute challenges.
Another issue some voters may experience is driver’s licenses expiring around the same time as election day. Lovell says those who would like to vote need to renew as early as possible because it takes time for new licenses to be mailed out.
“The resource the Idaho Department of Transportation uses to print (new driver’s licenses) makes it hard to predict how long it takes to mail those to you. So if you’re running close (to your expiration date), come and get that process going early so that you can have a current card (on election day),” Lovell says.
The Bonneville County Driver’s License Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments or walk-ins are available during those hours. Bingham County hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Those with a current driver’s license and the correct address shouldn’t have any problems using it as a photo ID on election day.
“There are lots of little nuances,” Welling explains. “Voters need to know these basic things. We’ll deal with any anomalies (individually) if any come up.”
RELATED | How the new Bonneville County election office will enhance ballot security in November
Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the Bonneville County Election Office at (208) 529-1363. The Bingham County office can be reached at (208) 782-3164.
A sample ballot showing the exact language for the school bond and levy in Bonneville and Bingham Counties are included below. A list of polling places in Bonneville County is also included. A sample ballot for the Marsh Valley School District 21 supplemental levy is here.
Bonneville, Bingham and Bannock Counties have measures in place to enhance ballot security. Those issues will be addressed in an upcoming story at EastIdahoNews.com.
