ELECTIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for a presidential primary election.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho bill establishes presidential primary election to replace or supplement caucus system, enabling direct voter selection of presidential candidates and convention delegates.

Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 45-23-2AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Burgoyne, Cannon, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Ehlers, Fuhriman, Galaviz, Gannon, Hall(Stone), Handy, Harris, Haws, Healey, Hill, Holtzclaw, Mathias, Miller, Mitchell, Nelsen, Palmer, Petzke, Pickett, Pohanka, Price, Rasor, Raybould, Redman, Rubel, Sauter, Shepherd, Vander Woude, Veile, Weber, Wheeler, Wisniewski, Mr. SpeakerNAYS – Bruce, Cayler, Cheatum, Egbert, Ehardt, Erickson(Larsen), Furniss, Garner, Hawkins, Hostetler, Leavitt, Marmon, McCann, Mendive, Mickelsen, Monks, Raymond, Scott, Shirts, Skaug, Tanner(13), Tanner(14), ThompsonAbsent – Green, ManwaringFloor Sponsor - HarrisTitle apvd - to Senate

#campaignsandcandidates #elections #federallawsandrelations #secretaryofstate #votingandvoters

Legislative bill overview

H 638 amends Idaho election law to establish a presidential primary election process where Idaho voters can directly select their preferred presidential candidates rather than relying solely on caucus or convention methods. The bill modifies existing statutory language governing how Idaho conducts its presidential nomination process.

Why is this important

Currently, Idaho uses a caucus system for presidential nominations, which limits participation to those who can attend local meetings and often favors more ideologically committed voters. A primary election would allow broader voter participation and create a direct popular vote mechanism for selecting delegates to national party conventions, potentially shifting candidate appeal strategies in the state.

Potential points of contention

Cost and logistics: Implementing a statewide primary election requires significant funding, equipment, and poll worker training—fiscal impact to counties and state budgets remains unclear

Party autonomy: Some argue parties should control their own nomination processes rather than states mandating primary elections; this may conflict with Republican and Democratic party preferences

Turnout and engagement: Primary elections historically draw lower participation rates than general elections, raising questions about whether this truly increases meaningful voter engagement versus caucus participation by committed party members