Should Idaho make English the state’s official language?

Idaho voters will soon decide whether to amend the state constitution to declare English as the official language.

“This is a resolution that essentially says that language matters,” Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa) told The Idaho Capital Sun. “It speaks to who we are as a nation. It binds us together as a people. It ties us to our history, our heroes, and our heritage.”

If passed, English would be mandated for use in “all public proceedings, public documents, public instruction, and any other public acts of any public institution in the state of Idaho,” except where federal law requires otherwise.

President Trump designated English as the country’s official language on March 1, 2025. Almost half of all states have a law or constitutional amendment that does the same thing.

According to the Sun and republished in the Washington State Standard, the legislature has approved House Joint Resolution 6. The Senate passed the resolution with a 30-5 vote, following the House’s 59-8 approval.

Dems were against English resolution

Most Democrats in the state legislature opposed the resolution, with the exception of Sen. James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) and Rep. John Gannon (D-Boise).

“It was just acknowledging what I believe is already taking place, which is English is the primary language we use here,” Ruchti told the Capital Sun.

The proposed amendment will be on the November 2026 general election ballot and requires a simple majority to pass. The ballot question will ask voters if they support amending the Idaho Constitution to make English the official state language and require its use in all public acts, except as required by federal law.

The state will spend up to $300,000 to pursue the amendment. However, other amendments or ballot initiatives could be presented as part of the cost.

Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) criticized the amendment, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars.

“It’s pretty clear that English is our official language, and now we’re going to spend $300,000 to put it on the ballot — when we are struggling to pay the bills,” Wintrow said.

As part of the amendment process, state legislators will finalize arguments for and against the amendment to be distributed to voters through mailed pamphlets.

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