BOISE, ID — Idaho’s 2026 election cycle will begin with a new online candidate filing system aimed at simplifying the process for those seeking public office.

According to a press release from the Office of the Idaho Secretary of State, all candidates will file online this year through VoteIdaho.gov. The updated system allows candidates to complete filing requirements and submit payment electronically, eliminating the previous need to travel to the State Capitol in Boise.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane said the office is looking forward to the new process and the start of the election season, noting that the changes are intended to streamline filing and improve accessibility for candidates statewide.

Statewide and legislative candidates will have a one-week filing window from February 23 at 8 a.m. MST through February 27 at 5 p.m. MST. The withdrawal deadline for those races is March 6 at 5 p.m. MST.

A second filing period will be held for county and local offices, as well as precinct committeemen. That window runs March 2 at 8 a.m. local time through March 13 at 5 p.m. local time, with a withdrawal deadline of March 20 at 5 p.m. local time.

Candidates who choose to submit petition signatures in lieu of paying a filing fee will continue to deliver those signatures to the appropriate filing office.

The Secretary of State’s election team will be available at the Capitol to assist candidates. Additional information, including candidate petition forms and filing details, is available through VoteIdaho.gov and the office’s “How to Run for Office” resources.

The updated process marks the first major step in Idaho’s 2026 election season.