The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office has begun mailing hundreds of thousands of official voter pamphlets to households across the state ahead of the 2026 general election. The mailings mark the start of the campaign season, providing residents with essential information on ballot measures and voting procedures.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane announced that every household in Idaho should expect to receive a copy of the pamphlet. “Election season is underway,” McGrane said. “Every household in Idaho can expect to receive a Voter Pamphlet with the information you need to be ready to vote in November.”
Ballot Measures Detailed
The 2026 edition, titled “America 250” to celebrate two and a half centuries of American history, outlines four key items appearing on the ballot. Voters will decide on Proposition 1, an initiative seeking to repeal the state’s abortion ban and establish reproductive rights protections.
Also on the ballot is a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the authority to legalize drugs exclusively to the state Legislature. A second constitutional amendment proposes declaring English as the official language of Idaho. Additionally, an advisory question asks voters whether the state should designate an official state gun.
Pamphlet vs. Voter Guide
The current pamphlet format does not include information about candidates running for office. In 2023 and 2024, McGrane proposed legislation to replace the informational pamphlet with a comprehensive voter guide that would list candidates for statewide constitutional offices and select legislative districts. The Idaho Legislature did not approve those proposals.
Despite the legislative rejection of the expanded guide, public interest in candidate information remains high. A 2024 poll conducted by Boise State University found that 78% of Idahoans favored a state-issued voter guide that included candidate details.
Accessing Information
In addition to the physical mailings, voters can access the pamphlet digitally. The Secretary of State’s Office offers the document in Spanish and audio formats for accessibility. Residents can also preview their specific ballots at VoteIdaho.gov to verify registration status and review voting options.