The Ada County Board of Commissioners held an open business meeting on September 23, 2025, where key discussions centered around the upcoming election logistics, including the establishment of polling places and ballot management.
During the meeting, it was announced that Ada County will have 132 polling locations for the upcoming election, with 53 of these serving dual precincts. This election is particularly complex, featuring 189 active precincts and 353 different ballot styles due to the involvement of multiple taxing districts. The county aims to ensure that polling locations are accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Director Salazar emphasized the extensive preparation required to set up these polling places, highlighting the importance of community involvement. The meeting also addressed staffing needs, confirming that all chief judges and assistant chief judges have been appointed, with training scheduled to begin next week. Each polling location will typically require a chief judge, an assistant chief judge, and several poll workers, depending on whether it is a single or dual precinct.
In addition to traditional voting methods, the county is expanding its use of ballot-on-demand technology. Currently, approximately 110 precincts will utilize this system, with plans to implement it across all precincts by May 2026. This approach allows for greater flexibility in providing the correct ballots based on voters' party affiliations.
The commissioners reassured the public about the integrity of the election process, noting that all ballots are paper-based and that a ballot verifier will be available for public scrutiny after the election. This system ensures transparency, allowing voters to verify that their ballots were correctly processed.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to a well-organized election, with a focus on accessibility, community engagement, and transparency in the electoral process.