This Op-Ed was jointly written by students from ISU, BSU, BYU-I, U of I, and College of Idaho.
We have a problem in Idaho. Politicians are not accountable to voters—especially young Idaho voters. Instead, elected officials are more concerned with approval of political party bosses, political elites and special interest groups.
Young voters are often left off the campaign trail, or altogether ignored as candidates rally for votes. But the future of Idaho is going to be created by us–Idaho’s young people–and it starts now with every vote we cast.
Through conversations with fellow students, we often hear that people aren’t registered to vote because they don’t see the point—it feels like decisions are made long before we ever get to the ballot box.
Taxpayers shouldn’t feel like that. Elected leaders should be accountable to their constituents. Potential candidates should care about our opinions and perspectives—both in Idaho and nationally.
So, let’s fix the issue—the system that incentivises lawmakers to ignore us—directly at its source. That is closed primaries.
Our current system blocks 275,000 independent voters from participating in the state’s most important elections. Many independent voters are students and young Idahoans who don’t align with either party. That system gives power to political elites and out-of-state special interest groups instead of the people of Idaho.
But there is good news. Over the past year, more than 2,000 volunteers knocked on nearly 100,000 doors across the state of Idaho. Despite so many obstacles, this work sparked a movement among Idahoans searching for a better future for Idaho.
But we did it. Proposition 1—the Open Primaries Initiative—is a solution. It is the way forward. And it’s on your ballot in November.
That includes an Idaho where we don’t have to pick a party to vote, where we have more freedom and better choices on our ballots, and where lawmakers are accountable to their voters (including students).
We want to elect leaders who care about real issues in Idaho. If you are concerned about how you are going to be able to afford housing, the cost of groceries, job security, starting a family, or childcare costs–you are not alone. Know that the legislators who don’t care about your vote are the same ones who have the power to address these problems, but they aren’t listening.
We are the stakeholders. The current system doesn’t reflect that. We deserve to have power in elections and a say in what the future of our state looks like.
So this November, let’s do what young people do best; let’s change this system for the better.
We urge you to do your research, make your voice heard in this incredibly important election by November 5th, vote all the way down your ballot, and vote “YES” on Proposition 1.
If you want to read more about Proposition 1 or get involved with our efforts, please visit openprimariesid.org for more information.
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Olivia Luna (19) is a lifelong Idahoan, sophomore at Boise State University, and sits on the board of directors for BABEVOTE.
Zane Herway (20) is an Idaho Falls native, Junior at College of Idaho, and is a Field Fellow at Idahoans for Idaho Primaries
Anya Zuercher (20) is a lifelong Idahoan, Junior at University of Idaho, and a Campus Captain for BABEVOTE
Kyle Keckler (21) is a 5th generation Idahoan, Senior at Idaho State University, and News Editor at The Bengal
Logan Westwood (21) is a 3rd generation Idahoan, served Phnom Phenn, Cambodia Mission, and a Freshman at Brigham Young University Idaho
