Idaho Voters Approved Adding Official English Into State Constitution

On Election Day, Idaho voters overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment HJR 6, officially establishing English as the state’s official language in its constitution.

Needing only a simple majority to pass, this amendment received over 63% of the vote. This aligns with our previous research showing that Official English policies are overwhelmingly popular with the American people.

While Idaho already had a statute declaring English as their official language, adding it to the state constitution permanently codifies it into law. It eliminates several exceptions listed in the state statute, and would now require another constitutional amendment to change it.

Idaho becomes the ninth state that has a constitutional provision listing English as their official language. Official English policies at the federal and state levels save taxpayers money by eliminating costly translation services and help foster a greater sense of civic unity.

This is a positive development and we hope that more states add Official English policies to their state constitutions in the future.