To become an official candidate on the ballot, you must
For more information, visit the Secretary of State’s frequently asked questions page for candidates. Our office has notary services available for filings.
All six council districts and the mayor will be up for election in 2023. Council districts were created by the Boise Districting Commission based on 2020 census data. In 2023, candidates in odd-numbered districts will run for four-year terms and candidates in even-numbered districts will run for two-year terms so that council elections are staggered. Candidates for mayor run for a four-year term.
In 2020, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill requiring cities with populations over 100,000 people to create districts for city council elections. They also directed cities to declare any unopposed candidate elected, meaning candidates without opposition will not appear on the ballot.
| Position | Term |
| Mayor | 4 Years |
| City Council District 1 - Unopposed | 4 Years |
| City Council District 2 | 2 Years |
| City Council District 3 | 4 Years |
| City Council District 4 | 2 Years |
| City Council District 5 | 4 Years |
| City Council District 6 - Unopposed | 2 Years |
Learn more about City Council Election Districts and find your district
The filing packing includes instructions and forms required to file for candidacy with the Boise City Clerk. Please refer to the information in this packet for instructions for filing the proper documents with the correct parties.
DownloadTo be considered as a viable write-in candidate, this form must be filled out completely and filed with the Boise City Clerk.
DownloadTo withdraw candidacy for office, this form must be completed, signed and submitted to the Boise City Clerk prior to election day.
DownloadEvery campaign is required to assign a treasurer in charge of managing incoming campaign funds on behalf of the candidate and during election cycles, candidates are required to disclosure certain financial information about their campaign as part of Idaho’s Sunshine Law.
Changes to Idaho Code now require Campaign Financial Disclosure Forms to be submitted to the Ada County Elections Office. Please contact their office for additional information or questions regarding the submission of such reports or reports submitted after 2020.
Please fill out the form and a representative from the city will be in touch with you.