Idaho 2026 Primary Election Results: Polls Close, Statewide Turnout Tops 229,000
Idaho voters turned out across the state Monday for the May 19, 2026 primary election, with more than 229,000 ballots cast — roughly 22 percent of the state’s registered voters — before polls closed statewide.
Polling locations in southern Idaho, which observes Mountain time, closed at 8 p.m. local time. Voters in north Idaho, including Latah County and the Moscow area, had until 8 p.m. Pacific time to cast their ballots. Under state election rules, no results were to be released until all polling locations across Idaho had closed, meaning the earliest any figures would become public was after 9 p.m. Mountain time.
Secretary of State Reports Higher Turnout in Southeast Idaho
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane addressed reporters at an evening news conference with hours still remaining in the voting window. At that point, the 229,000-ballot figure represented the count as of approximately 6:51 p.m. McGrane indicated that internal data from his office showed comparatively stronger participation in southeastern Idaho and the Magic Valley region.
McGrane noted that results would not be posted until after polls closed statewide at 9 p.m. Mountain time.
Latah County Races Among Those on the Ballot
Several competitive local and legislative contests drew attention in Latah County heading into Tuesday’s vote. District 24 featured a notable matchup between a Latah County commissioner and an incumbent senator with a record of pushing budget cuts, one of the more closely watched regional primaries on this cycle’s ballot.
Primary elections in Idaho determine party nominees ahead of the November general election. Contested Republican primaries in legislative and county-level races often serve as the effective deciding contests in heavily conservative districts across rural Idaho, making turnout in May a significant indicator of voter engagement for the year.
Latah County residents looking to stay engaged with local government activity this summer can note that the City of Moscow is scheduled to shift to summer office hours beginning June 8 through August 21, 2026, which may affect the availability of certain municipal services in the weeks ahead.
What Comes Next
Full results for Idaho’s 2026 primary election, including all legislative, county, and statewide races, were set to become available after 9 p.m. Mountain time on May 19 once the last north Idaho polling places closed. Certified results will follow in the coming weeks as county clerks complete the official canvass. Candidates who prevail in Tuesday’s primaries will advance to the November 4, 2026 general election. For broader statewide election coverage, visit Idaho News or the Idaho News Network.