Ballot issues, contested local and state races to appear on Tuesday's election ballot

Election day is Tuesday and there are several contested local and state races as well as school district supplemental levies and ballot issues that voters will be asked to decide.

According to Bannock County spokesperson Emma Iannacone, fewer people voted early in the Bannock County 2024 May primary election than in previous years.

When early voting ended on Friday, 1,863 people had cast their ballot either early or via absentee ballot. Comparatively, more than 3,000 people voted early in the 2022 may primary election when U.S. Senator and Governor seats were at the top of the ticket.

“I think part of the reason for low turnout so far is because of some confusion with the presidential caucuses and the primary,” said Bannock County Elections Administrator Julie Hancock. “We hope that we’ll still see a big turnout on Tuesday, but it’s always hard to predict what will happen.”

Contested races in Bannock County include two county commissioner seats and the prosecutor. Additionally, Bannock County voters living within the boundaries of the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25 will notice a $33 million bond ask on their ballots to renovate the fire-ravaged Highland High School; however, in an unusual case the school district is telling voters it doesn’t need the money because the state provided funding.

There are also contested county and state legislative races in Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou and Power counties.

Voters will also be asked to support supplemental levies in the American Falls, Snake River, Bear Lake, Grace and Soda Springs school districts.

Further, there are ballot issues for the South Bannock Library District, Pocatello Valley Fire Protection District and Moreland Cemetery District.

Completed absentee ballots must be turned in to the respective elections offices, by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Bannock County’s election office is located at 141 N. Sixth Ave. in Pocatello.

Voters can still cast their ballots on election day, Tuesday, with polls being open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the 57 precincts across Bannock County.

You can find your polling place using the interactive polling place map at bannockcounty.us/elections or by calling 208-236-7333.

To check your voter registration, visit voteidaho.gov or call the Bannock County Elections Office at 208-236-7333.