Senators must be at least 21 years old at the time of the General Election, a citizen of the United States, an elector of the state and has been an elector of the county or district whence he may be chosen for at least 1 year. Each Senator serves a 2 year term in office. (Article III, Section 6, Idaho State Constitution; 34-614, Idaho Code)

Individuals who wish to run for State Senate must file a C1: Appointment and Certification of Political Treasurer (C1 Form) with the Secretary of State's Office. The C1 Form must be filed prior to announcing your candidacy, accepting donations or spending money on your campaign. If you have questions regarding this filing, please contact the Secretary of State's Office at either [email protected] or at (208) 334-2852.

Individuals may run as either Partisan candidates (i.e. affiliated with one of the recognized political parties in Idaho) or as Independent candidates (i.e. no affiliation with any of the recognized political parties in Idaho).

The recognized political parties in Idaho are the Constitution Party, Idaho Democratic Party, Libertarian Party of Idaho, and the Idaho Republican Party. No other political parties have met the requirements for recognition in Idaho.

Partisan Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and either pay the $30 filing fee or collect the signatures of at least 50 registered electors of the legislative district.

The State Senator Filing Packet has the necessary forms and a short information sheet. Candidate filing is open from February 29 to March 11, 2016. Declarations and Petitions will not be accepted until February 29, 2016. Any received prior to February 29th will be returned to the candidate.

When collecting signatures to be filed with the Declaration of Candidacy, each signature sheet must contain the signatures of qualified electors from only one county and must be verified by the County Clerk prior to being filed with the Secretary of State.

Independent Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and collect the signatures of at least 50 registered electors of the state.

The State Senator Independent Filing Packet has the necessary forms and a short information sheet. Candidate filing is open from February 29 to March 11, 2016. Declarations and Petitions will not be accepted until February 29, 2016. Any received prior to February 29th will be returned to the candidate.

When collecting signatures to be filed with the Declaration of Candidacy, each signature sheet must contain the signatures of qualified electors from only one county and must be verified by the County Clerk prior to being filed with the Secretary of State.

In-Person or Special Delivery:

Mailing:

Note: Declaration of Candidacy forms may be scanned and emailed or faxed after completion. However, signature petition sheets may not be emailed or scanned. The original petition sheets with the county certifications must be submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.

Email:

[email protected]

Fax:

(208) 334-2282