ELECTIONS – Amends existing law to revise declarations of candidacy for independent candidates for president and vice president.

S 1157 amends Idaho election law to change requirements for independent presidential and vice presidential candidates. It requires independent candidates to file a declaration by August 1 stating they have no party affiliation and attach a petition signed by 1,000 qualified voters. The petition signatures must be verified by September 1, and the secretary of state certifies candidate qualifications by that date. The bill also sets deadlines for candidates to certify their vice presidential and elector choices by September 1 (with a possible 5-day extension), with final certification to county clerks by September 7. This law, signed by the governor on April 4, 2025, takes effect July 1, 2025.