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
"Party Primary Elections to select party candidates for federal, state, and county offices are held in even-numbered years on the third Tuesday in May. Those candidates who receive the most votes during the primary election go on to run in the general election. Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote in" (Idaho Secretary of State, VoteIdaho.Gov). May 19 is election day, but there are a number of important dates to keep in mind for the May Matters campaign.
Party Registration
Friday, March 13
Last day for registered voters to change party affiliations or become unaffiliated by filing a form with the county clerk.
Early Voting
Monday, April 27
Early voting may begin in those counties that choose to conduct early voting.
Early Voting / Registration
Friday, May 8
Absentee ballot application deadline — must be received by the county clerk by 5 p.m. local time. Voter pre-registrations must be received by the county clerk by 5 p.m. local time for the primary election.
Early Voting
Friday, May 15
In person, early absentee/early voting ends at 5 p.m.
ELECTION DAY!
Tuesday, May 19
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.
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.
Want to do more? Get connected.
Fill out the form to raise your hand for connecting with fellow educators, helping them make a plan to vote, and turning shared commitment into action — engage at whatever level you want. Those who sign up receive inside updates on the May Matters campaign along with practical tools and resources to help organize members effectively.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Donate to the Political Action Committee For Education
Strong public schools don’t happen by chance — they’re protected by educators and allies who show up and invest in the work. A contribution to the IEA Political Action Committee for Education helps elect leaders who value public education and ensures educators’ voices are heard where decisions are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the IEA's May Matters campaign.
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What is the May Matters campaign?
It’s a call to action: a statewide movement led by educators, for educators. The Idaho Education Association is building a grassroots strategy to change the makeup of the Idaho Legislature in May 2026. This isn't about a single issue — it's about reclaiming the future of public education and putting decision-making power back in the hands of those who truly understand and care: the people of Idaho.
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What do IEA members and their pro-public education allies need to do as part of the May Matters campaign?
IEA members — and all pro-public education allies — must vote in the May 2026 primary elections and help elect a pro-public education majority to the Idaho Legislature.
But it’s more than just casting a ballot. The campaign is calling on members to:
- Register to vote. In some cases, voters may need to re-register as Republicans to vote in critical primary races in certain districts.You can check your voter status here.
- Organize locally by helping to identify, support, or become strong candidates in legislative, school board, bond, and levy races.
- Show up consistently, from now through May 2026, in every election that impacts public education, even after May 2026.
- Grow IEA’s PACE fund (IEA’S Political Action Committee for Education) so pro-public education candidates have the resources to win.
- Lead the way in building long-term, grassroots election infrastructure that can outlast any single cycle or policy fight.
In short: Vote. Organize. Support candidates. Build power. Win back the future of Idaho’s public schools.
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Why is the IEA focusing on the May 2026 primary election?
In Idaho, the Republican primary is the election in most districts. The general election often becomes a formality, especially in deeply red areas. If we want to elect lawmakers who actually value public schools, students, and educators, we have to show up — in May — and make our voices impossible to ignore.
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Is this campaign affiliated with any political party?
No. It’s not about parties. It’s about principles. We’re not here to play political games, we’re here to fight for the soul of public education. If a candidate stands up for schools, students, and educators, we’ll stand with them.
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What does the IEA hope to achieve with this campaign?
A Legislature that listens. That funds schools fairly. That stops using kids and teachers as pawns in ideological battles. We want a future where decisions are made with wisdom, not extremism, — and where public education is seen not as a battleground, but as a cornerstone of democracy.
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What is the voter turnout trend in Idaho primaries, and why does it matter?
Turnout is shockingly low. In May 2024, fewer than 1 in 4 eligible voters showed up. That’s how extremist legislators keep winning: by banking on our silence. But if educators and their allies show up, that math changes. This campaign is grounded in a simple truth: Small numbers of votes have led to big consequences for Idaho’s public schools—and together, we can tip the balance the other way.
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Can I volunteer for a local campaign or the IEA’s efforts?
Yes — and your help is crucial. Whether you have 10 minutes or 10 hours, we’ll find a way to plug you in. This is how we build momentum, together. Sign up now!
