Voters across all five North Idaho counties will head to the polls on May 19 for the 2026 Republican primary. In a region where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by wide margins, the primary is the decisive election for most local offices.

In Kootenai County, multiple county commissioner seats, legislative races, and local offices are on the ballot. Kootenai County News has been covering candidate filings and local government actions leading into the primary season.

Bonner County will see contested races as well, with precinct committeeman positions and county-level offices drawing grassroots Republican engagement. Bonner County News covers Sandpoint and the surrounding Bonner County communities.

In Shoshone County, the interim sheriff’s office is among the positions drawing voter attention. Shawn Wehr was recently sworn in as interim sheriff, and the May primary will include the race for a permanent replacement. Shoshone County News covers the Silver Valley communities of Kellogg, Wallace, and surrounding areas.

Boundary and Benewah counties will also hold primary elections. Precinct committee organizational activity has been strong across the region, with central committees in several counties reporting higher-than-usual engagement from grassroots Republicans.

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. Registration information and absentee ballot forms are available through county election offices. Idaho allows same-day voter registration at the polls with valid identification and proof of residency.

For statewide Idaho news and coverage across all 10 Idaho News Network counties, visit Idaho News.