State of Idaho certifies May 2026 primary election results

The Idaho State Board of Canvassers officially certified the results of the state’s May 19, 2026, primary election during a meeting at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise on June 3. The board, consisting of Secretary of State Phil McGrane, State Controller Brandon Woolf, and State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, reviewed eight randomly selected county audits and local canvasses from all 44 Idaho counties, confirming no discrepancies in reported results. The certification process validated election procedures, including ballot handling, storage, and reporting, as required by state law. McGrane stated that the election was conducted smoothly across all counties, with voter turnout at 30.1%, up from 28% in the 2024 primary. A total of 11,087 Idahoans registered and voted on election day. While the results remained unchanged, audits revealed minor procedural issues. In Sen. Jim Guthrie’s (R-McCammon) District 28 primary race, a one-vote error was corrected after a folded absentee ballot caused an unintended mark, though Guthrie still won by 480 votes. In Owyhee County, four new voter addresses were missed in pre-election records due to rapid construction growth, but officials verified identities before issuing ballots. Additionally, Owyhee County made errors in hand-entering results on VoteIdaho.gov, which were corrected before the audit. No statewide or legislative race fell within the 0.1% threshold for a free recount, though two local races ended in ties and were settled by coin flips. The certification now opens a period for candidates to request recounts if needed. McGrane emphasized the overall integrity of the election, despite the isolated discrepancies.