The 2020 general election is anything but normal. From record numbers of voters registering to vote and a surge in mail-in ballots, to protecting voters and poll workers from COVID-19, plus concerns over voter intimidation and suppression — there’s a lot to unpack. So how are Idaho election officials handling a particularly unusual and consequential election?
Today on Idaho Matters, we're joined by Valley County Clerk Doug Miller and Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane. We will also hear from Twin Falls County Clerk Kristina Glascock.
After the state legislature made changes to election law essentially giving counties more time to begin processing mail-in ballots, McGrane says he's confident we'll have results in the evening of Nov. 3.
“We really are on track to have results like we typically would on election night," says McGrane. "And it's because of the adjustments we made due to the pandemic and allowing us to process this huge influx of absentee ballots.”
He says that change doesn't mean the work has been any easier, however.
“As election administrators, it feels like we're almost running two big elections simultaneously.”
Have more questions about the 2020 election in Idaho? Check out our voter guide for more on how to participate in the democratic process, and if you're voting by mail you can track your ballothere.
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