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Commission OKs destruction of eligible absentee and voted ballots per retention schedule
Summary
The board approved Resolution 2026-40 authorizing destruction of certain election records (absentee and voted ballots) that have met statutory retention periods under Idaho Code and federal law; staff explained exclusions and record categories.
County clerk staff presented Resolution 2026-40 for the board's approval, which authorizes destruction of specified election records that have met or exceeded applicable statutory retention periods. The resolution lists absentee and voted ballots for specific 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 election cycles and cites Idaho Code sections 31-871 and 34-217 as the retention authority.
Clerk staff explained which records are eligible (e.g., absentee ballot affidavit envelopes, unused/spoiled ballots after the statutorily required holding period) and cautioned that any record subject to an ongoing recount, contest, audit or court order must be retained. The commissioners voted to approve the resolution by roll call.
Why it matters: Routine records management ensures the county follows statutory retention schedules while protecting ballots and election records that may remain subject to challenge or audit.
