Idaho House Rejects Funding for Secretary of State to Publish Voter Pamphlet

Legislators argue over budget cuts and election responsibilities ahead of 2026 elections

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:44pm

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The Idaho House of Representatives has rejected a proposed budget increase to pay for the Idaho Secretary of State's Office to produce an informational voters' pamphlet, as required by state law. Legislators debated the funding, with some arguing the Secretary of State's Office should have participated in budget cuts like other state agencies.

Why it matters

The voters' pamphlet is an important tool for informing the public about ballot measures and constitutional amendments ahead of elections. The rejection of funding raises questions about whether the Secretary of State's Office will be able to fulfill its legal obligation to publish the pamphlet before the 2026 general election, when all statewide elected offices and legislative seats are on the ballot.

The details

House Bill 909 included $350,000 in one-time funding to pay for the voter pamphlet and $20,000 for overtime for the post-election audit team. Legislators argued the Secretary of State's Office should have participated in budget cuts like other agencies, while the Secretary of State said the cuts would impair core election responsibilities. The House rejected the funding in a 27-43 vote.

  • On March 19, 2026, the Idaho House of Representatives rejected the funding proposal.
  • In 2023 and 2024, the Idaho House did not act on bills proposed by Secretary of State Phil McGrane to expand the voters' pamphlet.

The players

Idaho House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Idaho Legislature that rejected the funding for the voter pamphlet.

Phil McGrane

The Idaho Secretary of State who argued the budget cuts would impair core election responsibilities.

Josh Tanner

A Republican state representative who serves as co-chair of the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and argued against approving the funding.

James Petzke

A Republican state representative who supported the funding, arguing the Secretary of State's Office would be in conflict with state law if they couldn't publish the voter pamphlet.

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What they’re saying

“If we did not fund this, they would potentially be in conflict with the law, because they are required for the law to put that out.”

— James Petzke, State Representative

“The problem I have is that (McGrane) was the one constitutional officer that did not take a cut.”

— Josh Tanner, State Representative

What’s next

Legislators may attempt to pass a new proposal to secure the funding for the voter pamphlet before the 2026 legislative session adjourns.

The takeaway

The rejection of funding for the voter pamphlet highlights partisan tensions over election administration and budget priorities ahead of the 2026 elections in Idaho, where all statewide offices and legislative seats are on the ballot.