Elections Matter Public education is on the ballot
Your Vote Is Your Voice
Voting is one of the simplest ways to make your voice heard.
Know what's on your ballot. Learn where candidates stand. Check your registration. Decide when and how you're going to vote.
Then make a plan.
Key Dates for the 2026 General Election
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Friday, Oct. 23
Friday, Oct. 30
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Make a Plan to Vote
Don't wait until Election Day to figure it out.
1. Check your registration.
Make sure your voter information is current.
2. Know what's on your ballot.
Find out which races and issues you'll be voting on.
3. Decide how you'll vote.
Vote early, vote absentee or vote at the polls on Election Day.
4. Know when and where.
Confirm your voting location and put voting on your calendar.
5. Vote.
You've learned. You've listened. You've made your decisions. Now make your voice heard.
Learn. Decide. Vote.
Be Ready for Election Day
Make sure you’re ready for Idaho’s General Election. Register to vote or check your registration, learn about absentee and early voting, find your polling place and review the information you need before Election Day.
Know the Candidates. Know the Issues.
No one understands Idaho's public schools better than the people who work in them every day.
Educators know what students need because they see it firsthand. We know what helps schools succeed and what makes our work more difficult. That experience is valuable when evaluating the people seeking public office.
As you learn about the candidates on your ballot, consider:
- What has the candidate said about public education?
- What is the candidate's record on issues affecting public schools?
- How would the candidate's policies affect students and educators?
- Does the candidate understand the realities facing Idaho's public schools?
- Does the candidate listen to educators and the people working in our schools?
Look beyond campaign slogans. Ask questions. Examine records. Know where candidates stand on the issues that matter to you.
WATCH FOR IEA'S VOTER GUIDE IN COMING WEEKS
Educator Voices Belong in Our Elections
Voting matters, but civic engagement doesn't begin or end at the ballot box.
Educators have something political advertising can't manufacture: relationships.
We work alongside other educators. We know parents. We live in the communities where we work. And we bring firsthand experience with students and schools to conversations about public education.
You don't have to be a political expert to participate. You can talk about what you know: your students, your classroom, your school and your profession.
There are many ways to engage:
- Learn about candidates and their positions.
- Attend candidate forums and community events.
- Ask candidates questions about public education.
- Share your firsthand experiences with public schools.
- Help colleagues find reliable election information.
- Encourage friends, family and colleagues to become informed voters.
- Participate personally in campaigns or community organizations if you choose.
Democracy works better when educators participate.
Follow the Election With IEA Reporter
Between now and Election Day, IEA Reporter will help members stay informed with election coverage focused on public education.
Look for candidate Q&As, issue explainers, voting records, election news and perspectives from Idaho educators.
