Early voting in Idaho is coming to an end

BOISE, Idaho — Early voting is officially over in Idaho, and there has been unprecedented interest among Idaho voters this year.

• Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane says he expects record-breaking voter turnout in the upcoming election.
• Any absentee ballots that have not yet been turned in will need to be turned in in person at an official ballot box or local county elections office.
• Polls will open at 8 a.m. on Election Day, November 5.

RELATED: 2024 Idaho Voter’s Guide

(Below is a transcript of the broadcast story)

“Right now, the election feels great,” said Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “We have record early voting numbers across the state.”

Early voting has been a very popular method among Idahoans for this general election, already surpassing the total number of ballots cast in the May primary.

There are still three days left to drop off absentee ballots and polls open statewide on Nov. 5 — officials are expecting a historic turnout.

McGrane says he’s feeling optimistic in the final countdown to Election Day.

“It’s very exciting to see this early turnout, and I expect we’ll see the same as we head into Election Day,” McGrane said. “We’re going to break records here in Idaho.”

For Elena Burdick, early voting provided a convenient way to participate in her first presidential election since she was old enough to vote.

“This is a right that so many people don’t have, and it’s so important for us to make sure we vote and make sure our vote counts,” Burdick said.

Burdick is volunteering as chief justice at the polls, so it was necessary for her to cast her vote early.

“I love that we as a country and as a county — Ada County — provide this opportunity for people to come out and vote early,” Burdick said.

While many voters choose to vote early in person or by ballot, others, like Betsy Carver and her daughter Vivian, keep the tradition alive on Election Day.

“We’ll get up early and go in line and vote on polling day,” Betsy said.

“And we’ll go together,” said Vivian

“We’ll go together, we go to our polling place, so it becomes kind of a ritual for us that we enjoy every year,” Betsy added.

If you didn’t take part in early voting, your last chance to vote will be on election day at your designated polling station – you can find your polling place Here.

If you requested an absentee ballot, it’s too late to mail it in—you’ll have to drop off your ballot in person at one of these boxes, like the one behind me here at City Hall.