While being too young to vote himself, one Boise High School student used his voice to encourage others who can vote to use theirs on their ballots.
Shiva Rajbhandari, 16, is not eligible to vote yet. So he is using his passion for politics to register others to vote.
"Getting young people to vote and getting everyone's voices heard is really important, especially in this election," Rajbhandari says. "I'm really sad I can't vote in this election. It's a really important election, obviously, but I feel like I can really make a big difference in my community."
He is making a goal to make a difference by standing on streets and at events with signs, encouraging people 18 and up to register to vote.
Rajbhandari is part of a local group named "Babe Vote" that encourages young people to register and then vote.
"Since May, we've registered about 2,000 people mostly at events in Idaho but also sometimes, I get friends together, and we go door to door," Rajbhandari says.
Although not old enough to use his voice on a ballot, Rajbhandari wants to make a difference. So, while representing "Babe Vote," he calls on his peers to use theirs.
"What I don't understand is why some of my friends who are 18 or are eligible to vote, I don't understand why they don't. It is such a privilege. Our country is founded on the principles of democracy, and everyone's voice matters, and I think it's really important to get your voice heard," Rajbhandari says.
One day, he may even take his passion for politics to the next level, but for now, he's focused on the upcoming election.
"I'm super excited for the next two weeks until Election Day it's going be a wild ride, but I'm excited that I'm making a difference," Rajbhandari says.
To learn more about the upcoming election, visit idahovotes.gov.
