HJR 6: English as the official languageEnglish as Idaho's official language, in the constitution
Official pamphlet (PDF): Secretary of State 2026 Voter Pamphlet (PDF)
In plain words
A state law already names English as Idaho's official language. This amendment would put that into the constitution, which only a statewide vote can change. It also says public meetings, court trials, government documents and public school teaching would be in English, except where federal law requires something else. (voteidaho.gov (Idaho Secretary of State) )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| English as official language | In a state law (lawmakers can change it) | In the constitution (only a statewide vote can change it) |
| Language of public meetings, documents and school lessons | Set by other laws and rules | English, except where federal law requires another language |
Our summary; the pamphlet statements it draws on are linked above.
Biggest change
- Makes English the official language in the state constitution; official proceedings and documents would be in English except where federal law requires otherwise (pamphlet explanatory statement, read as a summary). source: voteidaho.gov (Idaho Secretary of State)
Who it affects most: People who speak little English and deal with state or local government, courts or public schools.
Cost to the state: Unknown. The pamphlet summary we read says no fiscal impact statement was provided.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
English becomes Idaho's official language in the constitution, and government business and public school lessons must be in English unless federal law says otherwise.
English stays the official language under state law only, and the constitution does not change.
Our one-line summary. Check the official pamphlet for the exact wording.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a majority of the votes cast on it.
- The Legislature passed it in 2025 with the two-thirds vote needed: 59-8 in the House and 30-5 in the Senate. Sponsors were House Speaker Mike Moyle, Sen. Brian Lenney, Rep. Dale Hawkins and Rep. Kyle Harris, all Republicans. source: idahocapitalsun.com
Why supporters want it
- Pamphlet statement for it (read as a summary; no author named): "The amendment could encourage non-English speakers to learn English to be able to better participate in public life." It also says it could reduce government spending on non-English communications. source: voteidaho.gov (Idaho Secretary of State)
- Sen. Brian Lenney (R), a sponsor, said "language matters" and that English "binds us together as a people." source: idahocapitalsun.com
Why opponents object
- Pamphlet statement against it (read as a summary; no author named): "The amendment could create social division by signaling to non-English speakers that they are unwelcome in the state." It also says state law already designates English and allows foreign-language instruction. source: voteidaho.gov (Idaho Secretary of State)
- Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) called it a waste of money and worried about court interpretation: "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." source: idahocapitalsun.com
Who backs each side
- For: the Republican sponsors and majority in the Legislature. Against: most legislative Democrats (all but two of 15 opposed). No public record found yet of campaign committees or money for either side. source: idahocapitalsun.com
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Secretary of State's 2026 Voter Pamphlet .
Amendment to Idaho Constitution - House Joint Resolution 6
A Joint Resolution proposing an Amendment to Article X of the Constitution of the State of Idaho, by the addition of a new Section 8, Article X, relating to English as the official language of the state of Idaho:
“Shall Article X of the Constitution of the State of Idaho be amended by the addition of a new Section 8, to provide that the English language shall be the official language for the state of Idaho, and to further provide that, except as required by federal law, English shall be used in all public proceedings, public documents, public instruction, and any other public acts of any public institution in the state of Idaho?”
YES
NO
Legislative Council’s Statement of Meaning, Purpose, and Result to Be Accomplished (pamphlet, word for word): This proposed constitutional amendment would designate English as the official state language. All official speeches, meetings, and other proceedings of state and local governments, such as city council meetings and jury trials, would be conducted in English, and instruction in public schools would be provided in English. All documents of state and local government entities would be published in English. However, the amendment would allow languages other than English to be used when required by federal law.
What your vote will do (pamphlet, word for word): A YES vote would designate English the official state language of Idaho. A NO vote would make no change to Idaho’s Constitution, which currently does not designate an official state language.
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State’s 2026 Voter Pamphlet, printed page 5 (PDF page 5): the title, the joint resolution description and the ballot question in quotation marks. The pamphlet prints no fiscal impact statement for HJR 6 on that page.
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
Adds a new Section 8 to Article X of the Idaho Constitution. Full text as printed in the Voter Pamphlet: Section 8. ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE. The English language shall be the official language for the state of Idaho. Except as required by federal law, English shall be used in all public proceedings, public documents, public instruction, and any other public acts of any public institution in the state of Idaho. Read it in the Secretary of State 2026 Voter Pamphlet, page 5 (PDF) .
Read more
- Secretary of State: 2026 Voter Pamphlet (PDF)
- Secretary of State: 2026 General Election measures
- Idaho Capital Sun: English could become Idaho's official language
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.