Idaho Senator Proposes Bill to Eliminate Voter Affidavit as Acceptable ID at Polls

The bill aims to repeal the option to use a signed affidavit to prove identity as an alternative to photo ID.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

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An Idaho senator has introduced a bill to eliminate the use of a signed affidavit as an acceptable form of identification for voting at the polls. Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, argued that the affidavit is a 'loophole' and that there is 'no valid excuse' for not having a valid photo ID to vote.

Why it matters

This proposal is part of a broader debate around voting rights and election integrity in Idaho. Supporters argue it will improve security, while critics say it could disenfranchise certain voters who may have difficulty obtaining a photo ID.

The details

Lenney's bill would repeal the part of state law that allows for a signed affidavit to be used as an alternative to photo ID to prove identity and vote. He noted that the Legislature in 2023 approved a bill eliminating the use of student IDs as valid photo ID, but created a no-fee ID issued by the Department of Transportation that can be used for voting.

  • Lenney introduced a similar bill last year, but it never received a hearing.
  • In 2023, a bill to eliminate the voter affidavit died in a 33-36 vote in the Idaho House of Representatives.

The players

Brian Lenney

An Idaho state senator, R-Nampa, who has proposed a bill to eliminate the use of a signed affidavit as an acceptable form of voter ID.

Joe Alfieri

An Idaho state representative, R-Coeur d'Alene, who proposed a bill in 2023 to eliminate the voter affidavit, but it died in a 33-36 vote in the Idaho House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“I would submit that there's no valid excuse to show up last minute at the polls without an ID.”

— Brian Lenney, Idaho State Senator

“You can't go to a bar without an ID and sign a piece of paper saying, 'I swear I'm 21,' and get and get served drinks.”

— Brian Lenney, Idaho State Senator

What’s next

The bill will now be considered by the Senate State Affairs Committee.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the ongoing debate around voting rights and election integrity in Idaho, with supporters arguing it will improve security and critics saying it could disenfranchise certain voters.