As the suspense continues to build concerning the presidential race, there is only one issue on Idaho's ballot this year that all voters will have the chance to weigh in on.
It seems as though there is a lot at stake this general election year. Of course, the race for president has been widely publicized.
But what about races here in the Gem state? Are you ready to mark the ballot boxes?
Election officials in Idaho say now is the time to prepare for what you'll be faced with at the polling booth.
"The local legislative races, we have a supreme court race here in Idaho and some major bond questions that are being asked on this ballot," says Phil McGrane, Ada County chief deputy clerk. "If you want to review that bond language before you get to the voting booth... a great opportunity is to go to our website and you can see your ballot right there."
A proposed amendment to Idaho's constitution is something that will appear on each ballot, regardless of what county you live in.
The house joint resolution 5, or HJR 5, addition would provide legislators with the authority to review any administrative ruling to ensure it is consistent with its legislative intent. The proposed addition would also allow legislators to approve or reject any rule. It also specifies the governor would not have the power to veto legislators' approval or rejection.
You can beat the lines on election day by requesting an absentee ballot be sent to you in the mail. Or, you can show up to early voting locations including a mobile early voting unit that will be traveling around Ada County up until the final week before election day. Locations can be found through the Ada County election's website https://adacounty.id.gov/elections.
"We want to see people take advantage of the many opportunities, not just early voting but also on election day," McGrane says. "Have your voice be heard."
Oct. 28 is the deadline to request that a ballot be sent to you in the mail. All such ballots must make it back to the elections office by the big day (Nov. 8).
Otherwise, early voting locations will be available to the public through Nov. 4.
