How often is Trial Court Judge elected?

The position of Trial Court Judge is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Idaho?

Candidates have two options when filing for placement on the Primary Election Ballot: 1) File a Declaration of Candidacy and pay the $150 filing fee. 2) File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petitions, containing the signatures of at least 200 registered electors of the judicial district verified prior to submission. All candidates must also submit a C1 Form prior to announcing candidacy, accepting donations or spending money on the campaign.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Idaho Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 208-334-2852.

How do I get started running for Trial Court Judge?

You can start running for Trial Court Judge by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Trial Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

Trial Court Judge in Idaho

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

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Who's currently in office

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About Trial Court Judge

About this position

The District Courts have original jurisdiction over all cases and proceedings, in the issuance of writs of mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, habeas corpus and all writs necessary to the exercise of its powers. It also has appellate jurisdiction which extends to all cases assigned to magistrate's division of the district court; and to all other matters and cases wherein appeal is allowed by law.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $128,500/year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Idaho District Court Judge candidates must be at least 30 years old when elected; be a citizen of the United States; be an elector of the state of Idaho; have been a legal resident of the state of Idaho for at least 2 continuous years immediately preceding the election; reside in the district in which they are elected; been in good standing as an active or judicial member of the Idaho state bar for at least 2 continuous years immediately preceding such election; have held a license to practice law or held a judicial office in 1 or more jurisdictions for at least 10 continuous years preceding such election.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Candidates have two options when filing for placement on the Primary Election Ballot: 1) File a Declaration of Candidacy and pay the $150 filing fee. 2) File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petitions, containing the signatures of at least 200 registered electors of the judicial district verified prior to submission. All candidates must also submit a C1 Form prior to announcing candidacy, accepting donations or spending money on the campaign.
Filing period
February 23, 2026 - March 6, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Idaho Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080
Filing phone
208-334-2852
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Trial Court Judge in Idaho

On the ballot

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Idaho's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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About this guide

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