Stickers to Systems Change: One Student’s Journey to Organize for Democracy in Canyon County

Written by Sophia Lee

Photos by BABE VOTE + Kasen Obregon

Published August 11, 2025

Last Updated August 11, 2025

At first, BABE VOTE was just a sticker, something they saw on water bottles and binders around campus. But for one Caldwell High School student, that sticker eventually became the symbol of a much bigger movement.

Kasen Obregon’s journey into pro-democracy organizing began unexpectedly when the previous Campus Captain for Caldwell High reached out via Instagram, asking if he’d be interested in stepping into the role. Curious but unfamiliar with the organization, he said yes. But only after asking, “What even is BABE VOTE?”

A month later, he was officially in. They were welcomed by Sam Sandmire, who invited him to a local Pride event, and just like that, he became a Campus Captain. What started as a simple invitation turned into a mission to build a civic engagement infrastructure in one of Idaho’s most underrepresented regions.

Turning Apathy Into Action

Kasen’s motivation to get involved wasn’t theoretical, it was personal. When a school levy failed due to low voter turnout, students were left to cover hundreds of dollars in activity and athletic fees out of pocket. For many families in Canyon County, including his, that wasn’t easy.

“People didn’t know what they were voting on,” he said. “It cost me over $400 to keep my sister and myself in sports. I realized we needed to educate people. That’s when I knew BABE VOTE was something I had to be part of.”

This drive, to make the political system accessible and relevant, is the heart of his work. It’s not about politics for the sake of politics. It’s about protecting opportunities, defending rights, and uplifting communities.

Building Something From Nothing

What makes his role unique is the scale. Originally brought on to lead at Caldwell High School, they quickly realized there were no other Campus Captains in the surrounding areas. No representation in the Vallivue school district. None in Parma. None in Nampa. So, they expanded. Today, Kasen serves as the Campus Captain for all of Canyon County.

But building a civic network from the ground up is no small task. “Canyon County has a lot of political apathy,” he explained. “People here don’t believe their voice matters in the national system, so they don’t see a reason to care about local politics either.”

Kasen also points out that Canyon County is home to a large Hispanic population, a community often left out of traditional organizing. Many students and families are wary of sharing personal information, fearing consequences. Part of his role has become breaking down these fears and showing people that democratic participation is not only safe, but also powerful.

“It’s hard getting people interested if they’ve never heard of BABE VOTE,” Kasen said. “But when I talk to them about how this can help them, how it can even help them get into college, they start to listen.”

Rooted in Mentorship

Behind every student leader is a group of mentors who helped shape their path. For Kasen, it was a trio of teachers: Josh Engler, an Upward Bound instructor who became a sounding board; Brennan Wurtz, their AP U.S. History teacher who constantly challenged them to think deeper; and Mr. De La Cruz, their Latinos in Action teacher and track coach, who taught them how to understand people beyond politics.

“They didn’t just teach me facts,” he said. “They taught me how to care.”

A Network That Outlives Them

Kasen’s current focus is on creating a lasting infrastructure, one that continues after he graduates. He's identifying younger students to carry the torch at local high schools. “I’m targeting underclassmen who care,” he said. “So when I leave, someone’s there to take over. It’s about building something that outlives me.”

So far, they’ve established a team at Caldwell High and are now moving on to Vallivue. It’s slow, steady work: calling friends, convincing them this matters, and showing them that organizing is more than politics. It’s protection. It’s power.

A Final Message to Students on the Fence

When asked what they’d say to students hesitant about joining BABE VOTE, his answer is clear:

“This will get you to college. It will open doors. But even more than that, it will help you help others. If you care about your family, your school, your community, this is how you protect them.”

Know someone like this in your school or town? Or want to be that person?

Join the BABE VOTE Campus Captain Program and start organizing for the democracy your community deserves.

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