Paid canvassers would identify their payers to voters

Paid petition gatherers would tell potential signers they are paid and name who pays them. This covers people paid to gather signatures for Idaho initiative or referendum petitions. Each petition page must show a clear notice that the gatherer is paid and name the payer. A petition circulated in violation of these disclosure rules is void. These rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if the bill takes effect.

Paid in-person canvassers would disclose who pays them and wear a visible badge with the payer's name. Paid in-person canvassing includes direct contact intended to influence how people vote or take part in elections, such as petition gathering and campaign outreach. Covered canvassers must meet qualified-elector requirements; people under 18 need only have lived in Idaho for at least 30 days. The rules do not apply to volunteers acting without compensation or reimbursement beyond incidental expenses, people whose canvassing is incidental to broader campaign jobs, phone banking, or candidates canvassing for their own campaigns. These rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if the bill takes effect.

A person who violates the listed election rules could face a civil fine; a knowing and willful violation could also bring a misdemeanor conviction and jail time. The text lists violations of section 67-6628B among those subject to these penalties. The civil fine may be up to $250 for an individual or $2,500 for another person or organization. For a knowing and willful violation, a court may impose up to six months in jail, in addition to the civil fine. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026, if it takes effect.