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Your Vote May Be The Difference MAY MATTERS

Join IEA's Campaign to Return a Pro-Public Education Majority to the Idaho Statehouse

What is May Matters?

In 32 of 35 legislative districts across Idaho, it’s the May primary election that determines who sits in the Idaho Legislature.

In those races, the difference between a candidate who supports public education and one who does not can be a matter of just a few dozen votes or fewer.

And a single vote in the Statehouse can decide whether public schools are funded, whether educators are respected, and whether students get the support they need.

May Matters because your vote in the primary election on May 19 doesn’t just count — it can decide the outcome for students, educators and public education.

When educators and public-school supporters show up in the May primary, we don’t just participate in democracy—we change who has power and how that power is used. This campaign is grounded in a simple truth: small numbers of votes have led to big consequences for Idaho’s public schools. Together, we can tip the balance the other way.

Key Dates for the 2026 Primary Election

May 19 is election day, but there are a number of important dates to keep in mind for the May Matters campaign:

Friday, March 17:

Last day for registered voters to change party affiliations or become unaffiliated by filing a form with the county clerk

Monday, April 27:

Early voting begins

Friday, May 8:

Absentee ballot application deadline — must be received by the county clerk by 5 p.m. local time .
Voter registrations must be received by the county clerk by 5 p.m. local time - for the primary election.

Friday, May 15:

In person, early absentee/early voting ends at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19 - ELECTION DAY!

Polling places — and the county clerk’s office — to be open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Qualified individuals may register and vote at their designated polling place on election day.
Voted absentee ballots must be received — by the county clerk — by 8 p.m., for the May 19 election.

Source: Idaho Secretary of State

Take Action: Register to Vote and Cast Your Ballot

Make sure you're registered to vote and are prepared to cast your ballot in primary election on May 19th — and talk to your colleagues about doing the same. Step up to support local levies, school board races and candidates who believe in public education. From door-knocking to donating to PACE, you can choose how involved to be — but above all, you must vote.

Why May Matters?

A Handful of Votes Can Change Idaho

In many Idaho legislative districts, the real decision is made in May—not November.

Primary elections often draw low turnout, which means each vote carries more weight. Some races are won or lost by just a few dozen votes. When educators vote in May, we are not outnumbered—our participation can determine the outcome.

One Legislative Vote Can Decide Education Policy

The lawmakers elected in the May primary shape every major education decision.

Budgets, class sizes, special education funding, and educator support are often decided by a handful of votes — or even a single vote. Who represents you in the Legislature directly affects what happens in classrooms across Idaho.

Educators Are the Difference-Makers

Educators are trusted voices in their communities.

When educators vote—and encourage others to vote—the math changes. Our lived experience ensures education is part of the conversation when leaders are chosen.

The Primary Election Is Where Voting Counts Most

Voting in the primary isn’t about partisanship—it’s about showing up when real choices are made.

Low primary turnout gives each vote outsized power. When educators participate in May, we increase our influence and help shape outcomes that matter for students, schools, and communities.

How We Win

We show up—because too few people are deciding our future. A tiny fraction of Idahoans is deciding the future of our public schools. As educators, we can’t afford to sit this out. If we don’t stand up for students at the ballot box, who will?

A woman stands at a podium with an IEA banner.

We use our voices—because educators know what’s really happening in schools. Educators know what’s really happening in our schools and when we speak, Idaho listens. Every vote tells the story of what our students deserve.

A group of educators stands holding signs.

We organize for better outcomes—because change doesn’t happen by accident. We can change the Legislature. We can build schools that are safe, fully funded and respected. Imagine classrooms with the resources students need and educators deserve.

Melyssa Farro stands at podium with a sign.

We build power together because this work is bigger than any one of us. Your union is building a movement and you are part of it. Alongside parents, school boards, and communities, we can change the direction of education policy in Idaho.

Suggested Results

Your Vote May Be The Difference MAY MATTERS

What is May Matters?

Key Dates for the 2026 Primary Election

Take Action: Register to Vote and Cast Your Ballot

Want to do more? Get connected.

Why May Matters?

How We Win

Donate to the Political Action Committee For Education

We are Idaho's public school educators.

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