Idaho Launches Online Candidate Filing for 2026 Elections

New system aims to simplify the process for those seeking public office in the state.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Idaho's 2026 election cycle will begin with a new online candidate filing system through VoteIdaho.gov, allowing candidates to complete filing requirements and submit payment electronically, eliminating the previous need to travel to the State Capitol in Boise. The updated process marks the first major step in Idaho's 2026 election season.

Why it matters

The new online filing system is intended to streamline the candidate filing process and improve accessibility for those seeking public office across Idaho, removing the previous requirement to physically travel to the state capital.

The details

All statewide and legislative candidates will have a one-week filing window from February 23 at 8 a.m. MST through February 27 at 5 p.m. MST, with a withdrawal deadline of March 6 at 5 p.m. MST. A second filing period will be held for county and local offices, as well as precinct committeemen, running from March 2 at 8 a.m. local time through March 13 at 5 p.m. local time, with a withdrawal deadline of March 20 at 5 p.m. local time. Candidates who choose to submit petition signatures in lieu of paying a filing fee will continue to deliver those signatures to the appropriate filing office.

  • The new online candidate filing system will launch on February 23, 2026 at 8 a.m. MST.
  • The statewide and legislative candidate filing window will close on February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. MST.
  • The withdrawal deadline for statewide and legislative candidates is March 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. MST.
  • The county and local office candidate filing window will run from March 2, 2026 at 8 a.m. local time through March 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. local time.
  • The withdrawal deadline for county and local office candidates is March 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. local time.

The players

Phil McGrane

Idaho Secretary of State, who said the office is looking forward to the new process and the start of the election season, noting that the changes are intended to streamline filing and improve accessibility for candidates statewide.

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What’s next

The Secretary of State's election team will be available at the Capitol to assist candidates, and additional information, including candidate petition forms and filing details, is available through VoteIdaho.gov and the office's 'How to Run for Office' resources.

The takeaway

Idaho's new online candidate filing system represents a significant step forward in modernizing and streamlining the electoral process, making it more accessible for those seeking public office across the state.