Audit Laws
State Summary
An audit is only conducted when a recount is required; it is the first step of the recount. If a recount is initiated for a statewide office, federal office or a statewide measure, two precincts in each county are audited. For other offices or measures, the greater of 100 or 5% of ballots cast are audited.
Unless otherwise specified, statutory references are to Idaho Code §34-2313.
Voting Systems Used
As of 2020, Idaho primarily uses hand marked paper ballots and optical scanners in polling places, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.
For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.
Audit Comprehensiveness
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required. Statute is ambiguous as to whether all ballot types are audited. The votes from a random selection of ballots shall be tallied by hand and the votes from the same ballots shall be tabulated by an electronic ballot tabulating system.
Transparency
An audit is only conducted when a recount is required. If a recount is conducted, it is in “plain view” of the candidates or their representatives.
Audit Counting Method
In Idaho, post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required. If required, the audit is conducted manually.
Type Of Audit Units
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required. When required, the votes from a random selection of ballots shall be tallied by hand and the votes from the same ballots shall be tabulated by an electronic ballot tabulating system.
Contests & Issues Audited
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required.
Addressing Discrepancies
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required — in which case it checks the tabulators to be used in the recount, not the original results. A manual count will be conducted if the audit finds a discrepancy greater than 0.25%; for other officers or measures, a manual count will be required if the difference is greater than 1% or two votes.
For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.
Timeline
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required; it is the first step of the recount. A recount may be requested within twenty (20) days of the canvass.
Binding On Official Outcomes
The audit determines how a recount is conducted; it does not otherwise influence totals or outcomes.
Oversight & Conduct
County election officials conduct the audit as part of a recount.
Ballot Protection
Once the polls close the judges immediately proceed to count the ballots cast and continue without adjournment until completed and the result declared. After being counted, all ballots shall be sealed and stored until such time as the recount period has passed or a recount has been completed. For more information, see, Idaho Code §34-1201.
Additional Targeted Samples
In Idaho, a post-election audit is only conducted when a recount is required. If a recount is required, two (2) precincts in each county are audited. For lower offices or measures, the greater of one-hundred (100) or 5% of ballots cast are audited.