Party affiliation deadlines for party caucuses, primary deadline is Dec. 31

 BOISE – Following coverage last week of party affiliation deadlines for the Idaho Primary Election on May 21, 2024 Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Republican Party of Idaho Chairwoman Dorothy Moon, and Idaho Democratic Party Chairwoman Lauren Necochea remind voters of the distinction between the upcoming party caucuses in March (Republican) and May (Democratic), and the state primary election in May and the respective party affiliation deadlines. 

 To participate in the Idaho Republican Party 2024 Presidential Nominating Caucus scheduled for March 2, 2024, voters are reminded that the deadline for party affiliation is Dec. 31, 2023. 

 Voters must be affiliated as Republicans to participate. Chairwoman Moon emphasizes the importance of timely party affiliation, stating, “We encourage all eligible voters who wish to have a voice in the party caucus to ensure their party affiliation is up to date by the Dec. 31 deadline.” 

 To participate in the 2024 Idaho Democratic Party Presidential Caucus scheduled for May 23, 2024, voters must be registered as a Democrat or unaffiliated and affirm that they have not participated in any other 2024 presidential nomination contest. Participants may change their affiliation up to and including the day of the caucus. 

 “As we gear up for the May 23 caucus, we want to ensure every eligible voter’s voice is heard. We encourage all residents to engage in the process by taking part in this important event,” said Lauren Necochea, Idaho Democratic Party Chairwoman. 

 Caucuses are held to determine Idaho’s party nominees for president. The State of Idaho primary election, which includes party races for state legislators, county sheriff, county prosecutor and county commissioner is May 21, 2024. 

 The deadline to change affiliation is March 15. Unaffiliated and newly registered voters may affiliate up to and including Election Day on May 21. Secretary McGrane commented, “The primary election is a crucial step in shaping the future of our state. We want to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate, so it’s essential to be aware of the party affiliation deadlines.” 

Important Dates 

Idaho Republican Caucus – March 2, 2024

 Purpose: Party caucus to determine party nominee for president.

 Deadline to affiliate: Dec. 31, 2024. 

 Idaho Primary Election – 

May 21, 2024 

 Purpose: Statewide elections to vote on primary races such as state legislator and county sheriff, prosecutor and commissioner. 

 Deadline to change party affiliation: March 15, 2024. 

 Deadline to affiliate with a party if unaffiliated: up to May 21. 

 Idaho Democratic Caucus – May 23, 2024 

 Purpose: Party caucus to determine presidential preference and elect delegates to the State Convention. 

 Deadline to change party affiliation: up to May 23. 

 Idaho political parties are required to communicate with the Secretary of State’s office through written correspondence to identify the voters eligible to participate in the May 21 primary election by Nov. 30. 

 For more information on party affiliation, please visit VoteIdaho.gov, IdahoGOP.org and IdahoDems.org.