Idaho § 50-703 - Change in number of councilmen
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 50-703 — Change in number of councilmen, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-703. Change in number of councilmen
(1) Any city may change to the greater or lesser number of councilmen after an election instituted by resolution of the council or by petition as provided for initiative in chapter 18, title 34 , Idaho Code. When the proposition submitted to the electors shall receive a favorable vote, officials shall be elected at the succeeding general city election, provided however, that should such election be conducted in a year when no general city election is to be held, such new positions shall be filled by appointment within thirty (30) days.
(a) When the number of councilmen to be elected is to be reduced from six (6) to four (4), there shall be elected one (1) councilman to serve a term of four (4) years. At the next succeeding general city election, there shall be elected two (2) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years, and one (1) councilman to serve a term of two (2) years.
(b) When the number of councilmen to be elected is to be increased from four (4) to six (6), there shall be elected three (3) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years, and one (1) councilman to serve a term of two (2) years.
(2) Any city operating under the city manager form of government may change to the greater or lesser number of councilmen after an election instituted under subsection (1).
(a) When the number of councilmen to be elected is to be reduced from seven (7) to five (5):
(i) If there are four (4) councilmen up for election at the next general city election, there shall be elected two (2) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years.
(ii) If there are three (3) councilmen up for election at the next general city election, there shall be elected one (1) councilman, to serve a term of four (4) years. At the next succeeding general city election, there shall be elected three (3) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years, and one (1) councilman to serve a term of two (2) years.
(b) When the number of councilmen to be elected is to be increased from five (5) to seven (7):
(i) If there are two (2) councilmen up for election at the next general city election, there shall be elected four (4) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years.
(ii) If there are three (3) councilmen up for election at the next general city election, there shall be elected four (4) councilmen, each to serve a term of four (4) years, and one (1) councilman to serve a term of two (2) years.
[50-703, added 1967, ch. 429, sec. 134, p. 1249; am. 1972, ch. 16, sec. 1, p. 21; am. 2018, ch. 169, sec. 17, p. 367.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 50-703
What does Idaho Statutes § 50-703 cover?
Section 50-703 ("Change in number of councilmen") 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 § 50-703?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 50-703" (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 § 50-703 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.