Idaho § 34-1201 - Canvass of votes

Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 34-1201 — Canvass of votes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 34-1201. Canvass of votes

(1) When the polls are closed, the judges must immediately proceed to count the ballots cast at such election. The counting must be continued without adjournment until completed and the result declared.

(2) If the precinct has duplicate ballot boxes, the counting may begin after five (5) ballots have been cast. At this time, the additional clerks shall close the first ballot box and retire to the counting area and count the ballots. Upon completion of this counting, the clerks shall return the ballot box and then proceed to count all of the ballots cast in the second box during this period. This counting shall continue until the polls are closed, at which time all election personnel shall complete the counting of the ballots.

(3) The county clerk may designate paper ballots be returned to a central count location for counting by special counting boards. If the paper ballots are to be counted at a central count location, a procedure may be adopted to deliver the voted ballots to the county clerk prior to the closing of the polls. The results of this early count shall not be released to the public until after 8:00 p.m. of election day.

(4) 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. Ballots may be unsealed and resealed as part of a postelection audit conducted pursuant to section 34-1203A , Idaho Code.

[34-1201, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 185, p. 351; am. 2011, ch. 285, sec. 11, p. 783; am. 2020, ch. 78, sec. 1, p. 168; am. 2022, ch. 32, sec. 1, p. 89.]

Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 34-1201

What does Idaho Statutes § 34-1201 cover?

Section 34-1201 ("Canvass of votes") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Idaho § 34-1201?

A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 34-1201" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Idaho law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.

How does Idaho § 34-1201 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.