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Early voting is under way

Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 7 months, 2 weeks AGO

| May 11, 2025 1:00 AM

Early voting is available in counties across Idaho for Election Day, May 20. Local taxing district elections will take place in 37 of 44 Idaho counties. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot was Friday.

In Bonner County, depending on residence, voters will have a say on a few items, including a two-year levy by the West Bonner County School District and fire levies at the Sagle, Westside and Northside fire districts.

 With a May 20 election just over a week away, the results could decide the outcome of a proposed two-year, $2.35 million-per-year levy — one that could determine whether one or more schools in the district close after this year. It includes line items for teacher and staff salaries, operation of school library services and copy paper, sports and extracurricular activities, several buses, music and arts programs, nurse and school psychologists and utilities at the closed junior high school.

The Sagle, Westside and Northside fire districts are bringing levy override requests that would expand their budgets to the May 20 ballot. Selkirk Fire, Rescue & EMS Chief Jeff Armstrong has said the increases would help the districts keep up with rising staffing and equipment costs and the added work that has come with recent population growth.

 If all three requests receive the supermajority approval (66 2/3%) needed to pass, property owners in the Sagle, Westside and Northside districts will pay an additional $34, $71 and $41 per $100,000 of home value each year. 

"Voters will have the chance to weigh in on candidates and issues, from Highway Districts in Canyon County, Water and Sewer Districts in Eagle, to a library levy in Burley," said Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane. "I encourage all Idahoans to take part in the May 20 Election. Local elections are a powerful way to shape the decisions that affect our daily lives."

Idaho voters can preview a personalized sample ballot at voteidaho.gov/election-information/. 

Important dates and deadlines for the May 20 Consolidated Election:

  • Early Voting (where applicable): Now through Friday, May 16
  • Election Day: Tuesday, May 20, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Absentee Ballots Due: Tuesday, May 20, 8 p.m.