Engage · Local

Local ballot measures

Bonds, levies and local initiatives put taxing and spending decisions directly in front of voters. Idaho sets some of the highest bars in the country for passing them.

Bonds: borrowing for big projects

A bond lets a school district, city, county or other district borrow money for something large, like a school or a fire station, and repay it with property taxes over many years.

Most bonds need a two-thirds yes vote. This comes from the Idaho Constitution. A school bond can get 60 percent and still fail.
A few need only a simple majority, including bonds for water and sewer systems.

Levies: property taxes for a set time

Supplemental levies pay for school operations, such as staff, programs and buses, usually for one or two years. They pass with a simple majority.
Plant facilities levies pay for school buildings and repairs over several years without borrowing. They need at least 55 percent, and more for larger levies.
Other districts, such as fire and library districts, can ask voters to raise their levies too. The share of yes votes needed depends on the kind of levy and how long it lasts, so check the ballot language.

When they're on the ballot

School measures can appear only in May or November. The Legislature removed the March and August election dates.
City and county measures go on the third Tuesday in May or the November election day.

Local initiatives and referendums

Voters in Idaho cities and counties can propose an ordinance, or force a vote on one the council or commissioners just passed.

Signatures: 20 percent of the number of people who voted in the last general city election (for a city) or the last general county election (for a county).
Referendum deadline: within 60 days after the ordinance passes.
Limits: local initiatives can't be used for zoning decisions.
Passing: a simple majority.

Before you vote

Read the ballot language. It must state the purpose, the amount and the estimated cost per $100,000 of taxable value.
Check whether it replaces something. A levy that "renews" an expiring one may not raise your bill. A new one will.
Find your sample ballot through your county clerk or VoteIdaho.gov.
Go to the hearing. The board has to vote in a public meeting to put a measure on the ballot, well before the election.

Sources

Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources before you rely on a deadline.