Get Ready to Vote in Idaho’s Local Elections by Phil McGrane
Election season is here in Idaho, with critical local races appearing on ballots across the state for the Tuesday, November 4 Consolidated Elections. These are the elections that shape the places we live, from city councils to school trustees, fire districts to parks.
Local elections don’t get the same attention as the big national ones, but they hit closer to home.
If you’ve ever spent time at a local park, used emergency services, or paid property taxes, then you’ve seen the impact of local districts firsthand. These elections are where policy meets the pavement—literally.
And if you’ve ever thought, “my vote won’t make a difference,” let me assure you, it does. When I served as Clerk in Ada County, we often saw razor-thin margins in elections, including a highway district election decided by just two votes out of more than 40,000 cast.
In local elections, your vote carries extraordinary weight, and I encourage you to use it!
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Key Dates to Know
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Here’s what you need to know in Bonneville County to make sure your voice is heard this November:
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Early Voting is available October 20, 2025 through October 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM - 5:00PM, Monday through Friday at the Bonneville County Elections building.
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Request a Mailed Absentee Ballot here -OR-
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An Absentee Ballot Application may be submitted to Bonneville County Elections, 497 N Capital Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
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Election Day: Tuesday, November 4 – Ballots must be returned by this date
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What’s on the Ballot?
This year, more than 200 taxing districts across Idaho will hold contested elections. You can find resources at VoteIdaho.gov. Not every Idahoan will have something on their ballot this November.
Local taxing districts operate on different schedules, and their boundaries don’t always follow neighborhood lines. You might have an election, even if your next-door neighbor doesn’t.
Check your sample ballot online before heading to the polls (Click Here)
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SPECIAL EVENT: LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
Don't miss this crucial conversation. Speaker Mike Moyle and Senate President Kelly Anthon will discuss what the priorities for the next legislative session will be. Seating is limited. You can purchase tickets by clicking here!!!
Why Long-Term Water Storage Can’t Wait - by Senator Kevin Cook
You’ve heard me talk about Idaho’s water before—but this time is different.
This time, I’m asking YOU to take action.
Sign the letter of support for long-term water storage today: https://kevincookforidaho.com/sjm101/#supporters
We’re at a tipping point.
More water is leaving the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer than is going in. Our population is growing fast. Drought cycles are lasting longer. And snowpacks—the natural storage system Idaho has relied on for generations—are becoming less reliable.
If we don’t act now, Idaho’s water security, economy, and way of life are at risk.
That’s why I introduced Senate Joint Memorial 101 (SJM-101)—a formal request urging federal and state leaders to finally get serious about long-term water storage solutions. That means:
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Re-considering sites like the Teton Dam, which failed in 1976, yet the Idaho Department of Water Resources still ranks among the top two storage opportunities.
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Reviewing upgrades or expansions of the Minidoka Dam, Jackson Lake, Galloway, Twin Springs, and Lost Valley.
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Acting on multiple off-stream and groundwater storage options identified in the Henry’s Fork Basin Study to safely and affordably boost storage.
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Heeding the Idaho Water Resource Board’s warning—issued over a decade ago—that without action, we’d see declining aquifer levels, curtailed water rights, and more conflict between users.
They were right, and the consequences we are feeling are only going to get worse.
Now I need your help to move forward.
Our congressional delegation supports water solutions— but they need to know Idahoans are behind this. That's why I’m gathering signatures from Idahoans who believe we must start now—before the next drought or crisis forces our hand.
Add your support for long-term water storage today:
https://kevincookforidaho.com/sjm101/#supporters
If we don’t act now, federal funding will go elsewhere. Other states will move forward. We’ll fall behind.
This isn’t just about storing more water—it’s about storing confidence in Idaho’s ability to feed, power, and protect its future.
Let’s show Washington that Idaho is ready.
Let’s get this done—together.
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THANK YOU EASTERN IDAHO REPUBLICANS FOR MAKING LINCOLN DAY A SUCCESS!
May 2, 2025 LINCOLN DAY SLIDE SHOW
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New Data On Voters Coming To Idaho
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Learn more about Idaho’s voting patterns, historical trends, and demographic information with the interactive charts, graphs, and maps. Whether you are a researcher, journalist, policymaker, or an engaged citizen, you can find engaging and dynamic data that breaks down Idaho’s political landscape.
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The State Budget | A Guide to Idaho Politics and Civic Engagement
Every legislative session in Idaho, a group of lawmakers called the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee considers each state agency’s budget request. The committee is made up of ten House members and ten Senators who work together to create budgets based on what the state agencies need and want, as well as how much money the state receives from the taxes and fees that you pay.
SUMMER MEETING ADOPTED RULES & RESOLUTIONS -----> CLICK BELOW:
RULES
RESOLUTIONS
Next Meeting:
Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Location: Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls
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