Kootenai County will hold two elections in 2026: a primary election on May 19 and a general election on November 3, according to the Kootenai County Elections Office.

The county is reminding voters that Idaho law requires absentee ballot requests to be resubmitted every calendar year. Voters who used absentee ballots in 2025 must submit new requests for 2026.

In Kootenai County, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a wide margin, the Republican primary is often the decisive election for local offices. County commissioner seats, legislative races, and other local positions will be on the ballot.

Voter registration information and absentee ballot request forms are available through the Kootenai County Elections Office at the county courthouse. Idaho allows same-day voter registration at the polls with valid identification and proof of residency.

Candidate filing information for the May 19 primary is available through the Idaho Secretary of State’s office at sos.idaho.gov.