Revelers may have crowded in front of the Statehouse to watch a crane lower a giant, glowing spud on Dec. 31, but the year of politics really kicks off Jan. 8.

That’s the day Gov. Butch Otter opens the 2018 legislative session with his State of the State and policy address.

The governor’s speech serves as the kickoff for a year that will be dominated by politics — from the roughly 90-day legislative session, through the May primary election and into November’s general election.

In Idaho, the stakes are high. All 105 legislators will see their seats expire at the end of the year. Otter is not seeking re-election, but a small army of political hopefuls has assembled to battle it out in hopes of succeeding him. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra faces a challenger from Wilder Superintendent Jeff Dillon.

Throughout 2018, Idaho Education News will be dedicated to covering the education stories that matter, tracking the new policy initiatives and helping readers make sense of the 2018 elections.

Along the way, be sure to bookmark our Election 2018 tab on our homepage and listen to our podcast, Extra Credit, on Friday afternoons to get caught up on all the week’s top stories.

In the meantime, keep these important dates in mind:

• Thursday, 1 p.m., The Legislature’s Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee meets at the Statehouse to take an early look at the state’s budget picture.
• Thursday, 3 p.m., Otter presents at a special State Board of Education meeting in Boise.
• Friday, 8:30 a.m., the Legislature’s Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee meets again at the Statehouse.
• Friday, 9 a.m., Otter meets with the press during the Associated Press’s annual legislative preview event.
• Monday, noon, Idaho House and Senate convene, kicking off the 2018 legislative session.
• Monday, 1 p.m., Otter delivers his annual — and final — State of the State address from the House chambers inside the Statehouse.
• Week of Jan 8 – 12, the House and Senate Education Committees are expected to conduct their first meeting of the year, although a date has yet to be announced.
• May 15, primary election, polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.
• Nov. 6, general election, polls open from 8 a.m., to 8 p.m., local time.

Click here to read about what to look for this session, and what’s at stake for teachers, students and taxpayers.