(Boise, Idaho) – The United States District Court of Idaho dismissed the lawsuit challenging Idaho’s new voter registration requirements brought forward by March for Our Lives. The Court’s decision affirms the legitimacy of the state’s updated voter registration laws.
In the decisive ruling, issued on September 18, 2024, the court affirmed that Idaho’s voter ID requirements are a reasonable and constitutional measure designed to protect the election process from fraud and misconduct while maintaining fairness for all eligible voters. The ruling comes as a significant victory for the state’s efforts to ensure secure and transparent elections. The ruling follows a similar Idaho Supreme Court ruling in April.
During the 2023 Idaho legislative session, Secretary of State Phil McGrane collaborated with Representative Brandon Mitchell and other stakeholders to pass legislation aimed at streamlining voter registration procedures and clarifying the types of photo identification and proof of residency accepted across all registration methods. Prior to these changes, inconsistencies existed based on whether an individual registered in person, via mail, or online. The new law ensures uniformity, treating all Idahoans equally during the voter registration process.
“The U.S. District Court affirmed that Idaho voter registration laws are fair and accessible. I’m pleased by the court’s decision. I’m looking forward to continuing our voter registration efforts as we get closer to the November General Election,” said Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane.
Representative Brandon Mitchell, sponsor of House Bill 340, said, “I’m proud to have helped pass some of the most significant voter registration laws in Idaho history to bring safeguards to elections and ensure only eligible voters may register and cast a vote in Idaho.”
Secretary McGrane added, “House Bill 340 not only helped us streamline the voter registration process, it also provided for the establishment of free IDs available to all eligible Idahoans for the purpose of voting. Hundreds of Idahoans have successfully obtained a free ID card since this legislation went into effect. If you need a free ID card to vote, visit your local DMV or visit VoteIdaho.gov for more information.”