Idaho County Elections Officials Test Ballots Ahead of May Primary at County West in Twin Falls
Twin Falls County Prepares Voting Equipment Before May Primary Election
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — With the May primary election approaching, election officials in Twin Falls County gathered at County West on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to conduct a ballot test, demonstrating the transparency and procedural rigor that Idaho law requires before any election takes place.
Kristina Glascock, the Twin Falls County clerk, led the demonstration, explaining how the ballot tabulation system works to those in attendance. Chief Deputy Clerk Valerie Varadi and Elections Director Sabrina Harrison were also on hand, working through the process together as officials prepared equipment for the upcoming contest. County Commissioner Suzanne Hawkins also participated, running ballots through the system to observe the testing process firsthand.
The event offered a public-facing look at the behind-the-scenes preparation that county election offices undertake before voters head to the polls. Ballots were jogged — a standard preparation step to ensure proper alignment before scanning — and then run through the tabulation equipment. An Idaho logic and accuracy guide was on display throughout the process, outlining the procedural standards election officials must follow.
Logic and Accuracy Testing: A Common-Sense Election Integrity Measure
Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure required across Idaho counties. The process verifies that ballot-counting equipment reads and records votes correctly before any real ballots are cast by the public. It is one of several election integrity safeguards built into Idaho’s election administration framework.
By conducting these tests in an observable setting with county officials present — including an elected county commissioner — Twin Falls County reinforced its commitment to accountable, transparent election administration. The presence of multiple officials from different roles in county government underscored the cooperative nature of the process.
Idaho has long maintained election procedures designed to ensure accuracy and public confidence in results. Pre-election equipment testing, chain-of-custody protocols, and post-election audits are all part of the state’s approach to safeguarding the integrity of the vote. Election officials across Idaho’s 44 counties are expected to complete similar logic and accuracy checks before the May primary ballots are counted.
For voters across Bonneville County and the broader East Idaho region, similar preparations are underway as local election offices finalize their own readiness procedures. County clerks statewide are coordinating the logistics of ballot printing, polling place staffing, and equipment certification as the primary date draws closer.
What Comes Next
With the May primary approaching, Idaho voters should expect to receive information from their county clerks regarding polling locations, absentee ballot deadlines, and any candidate or measure information relevant to their specific ballots. Idaho voters who wish to participate are encouraged to confirm their registration status and review their sample ballots in advance.
For Bonneville County residents, local officials are similarly preparing for the primary cycle. Those interested in local election issues may also want to follow ongoing coverage of community decisions affecting taxpayers, including the Bonneville Joint School District’s upcoming $19.2 million levy vote, which is drawing significant attention from families and property owners across East Idaho.
Statewide, Idaho’s election calendar and broader government news can be followed through Idaho News, which covers legislative, executive, and local government developments across the state. Additionally, readers tracking how federal decisions may affect Idaho — such as the recent major disaster declaration approved by President Trump for Idaho — can find comprehensive statewide coverage through the Idaho News Network at IdahoNewsNetwork.com.
Election officials across Idaho are expected to complete all pre-election testing and certification procedures well in advance of the May primary. Residents with questions about the ballot testing process or their local polling arrangements are encouraged to contact their county clerk’s office directly.