© 2012 Idaho Statesman

In-person early voting in Ada County starts Monday; it is already under way in Canyon County.

The Idaho Statesman’s online Voter Guide will be posted Wednesday.

You can use the guide to find out who’s on your ballot and to compare candidates in the contested races side by side, and see their answers to questions about character and policy. You’ll see brief biographies and photos, and you can fill out a sample ballot to take to the polls.

You can also hear candidates’ interviews with the Statesman’s editorial board and follow links to find your voting place. Find the guide at IdahoStatesman.com/election.

A print version of the Voter Guide featuring excerpts from the online version will be published Sunday, Oct. 21.

Important dates

- Oct. 15 through Nov. 2: Ada County and Canyon County in-person early voting.

- Oct. 31: Last day to request mail-in absentee ballots.

- Nov. 6: Election Day, polls open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots must be returned to county clerk’s office by 8 p.m.

Same-day registration

If you are not registered to vote, you can register on Election Day.

Significant changes

Four major changes have occurred since the last general election:

1. Idaho’s closed Republican primaries do not affect general elections. All voters will receive a general election ballot on which they can vote for any candidate, proposed constitutional amendments and statewide propositions.

2. Statewide redistricting means many people will be in a different congressional or legislative districts.

3. In Ada County, precinct boundaries and polling places have been overhauled; many voters will have a new polling place or new precinct.

4. All voters must show photo ID or sign a personal identification affidavit.

Vote by mail

Registered voters may request an absentee ballot until 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Election Day.

Absentee ballot request forms are available online at www.idahovotes.gov.

You also may request an absentee ballot in person or in writing from your county clerk’s office:

- Ada County Elections Office, 400 W. Benjamin Lane, Boise, 83704. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

- Canyon County Elections Office, 1102 E. Chicago, Caldwell, 83605. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Early voting

Registered voters may vote in person at their county elections office through Nov. 2.

- Ada County early voting, 400 N. Benjamin Lane, Boise, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

- Canyon County early voting, 1102 E. Chicago St., Caldwell, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Voting on Election Day

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can look up your polling place at www.idahovotes.gov or call Ada County Elections at 287-6860 or Canyon County Elections at 454-7562 to confirm your polling place.

Cynthia Sewell: 377-6428, Twitter: @CynthiaSewell