YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE: 

Why School Board Elections Matter More Than Ever

Democracy doesn’t just live in Washington, D.C. It lives in your neighborhood, your school, your city council. And right now, it needs you.

As young people, we’re told that change takes time. That it’s complicated. That our voices don’t matter. But history says otherwise. When human rights have been under attack, it’s young people who’ve shown up, spoken out, and sparked movements that made real change. And that moment is now.

What’s Happening in Idaho?

On July 1, 2025, a new law, Idaho’s House Bill 41, went into effect, banning public schools from displaying banners with “political viewpoints.” This came after a teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School was told to remove a sign that said, “Everyone is welcome here.”

Yes. That was considered too political.

Despite widespread community outcry, including a student-led protest by Renaissance High School students outside the West Ada District Office, the West Ada School Board voted 3-1 to approve the new “Visual Display” policy. The policy prohibits all political, religious, or ideological signs in classrooms.

The backlash was powerful. But the decision still passed.

Meanwhile, the Boise School District responded by affirming that every student belongs. While they will comply with the new law, they were committed to fostering inclusive school environments, stating in a staff memo:

“Every student, regardless of their background, is legally entitled to dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging in their school community.”

This moment is bigger than one sign or one school. It’s about who gets to feel seen, safe, and supported in our public spaces and who gets to decide that.

Why Local Elections Matter

On November 4, 2025, voters will choose two new members for the West Ada School District Board of Trustees. These aren’t symbolic seats. School board members hold real power:

• They decide what books are in our libraries

• They shape school curriculum

• They vote on disciplinary policies

• They make funding decisions that affect every student

This is how democracy works, from the ground up. These decisions directly impact classrooms, teachers, and students in your community. And this fall, you get to help choose who makes those decisions.

How to Show Up and Speak Out:

You don’t need permission to participate in democracy.

Vote in your local school board elections this fall.

Attend West Ada School District meetings: open to the public and held on the second and fourth Monday of every month.

Speak up during meetings by signing in with the Clerk of the Board to comment on agenda items.

Can’t attend in person? No problem. Submit comments virtually through the SIMBLI website under the “Meetings” section.

These are the tools. The power? That’s always been yours.

BABE VOTE exists to make sure young people have what we need to change the course of history. It starts here. In your town. In your school district. In your vote.

Let’s show up. Let’s be heard. Let’s build the future we deserve.