Deciding Idaho’s Future: Two Constitutional Amendments on the November 2026 Ballot

Amending the constitution is a way to make a policy “permanent.” While the Legislature can easily change or repeal a standard law in any future session, they cannot change a constitutional provision without going through this entire public voting process again. Amending the Idaho Constitution is a rare and intentional process. Unlike regular laws (statutes), which the Legislature can pass on its own, constitutional changes require direct permission from the voters.

What happens after the vote? The outcome is determined by a simple majority (50%+1) of the votes cast on each measure. If the “YES” votes win, the amendment is officially ratified. The new language is integrated into the Idaho Constitution and takes effect immediately (or on the date specified in the resolution), becoming the highest law in the state. If the “NO” votes win, the measure fails, and the Idaho Constitution remains exactly as it is now.

Idaho HJR 4 – Grant Legislature Exclusive Authority and Prohibit Citizen-Initiated Measures on Marijuana, Narcotics, and Psychoactive Substances Amendment

Idaho HJR 6 – English as Official State Language Amendment