Students want change. They want reform; to see important issues brought to light. And — from the view of two politicians who ran for the state primary elections May 15 — Idaho government wants to help.

A.J. Balukoff ran for Idaho governor as a democratic candidate, coming in second to Paulette Jordan. He is from Boise, Idaho, where he has spent many years. In an interview with The Purr, one of the many concerns he shared was improving Idaho public education. As Idaho ranks 48th in the nation for public schools.

However, just as Balukoff was asking for change in schools, so have been the very students he was fighting for. Still, many students struggle to find effective or efficient ways to help the state of their own education. But Balukoff said that one way to create lasting change is get youth involved in the government.

“Take government classes,” he said. “Communicate on both ends, and register to vote.”

According to Balukoff, the minimum action that students should take is registering to vote and becoming informed voters. Moreover, getting involved in campaigns is a great way to find a foothold in government and law-making, he said.

Cindy Wilson, who won the primary for Idaho superintendent of schools, shared similar advice with The Purr for youth looking for change.

“Learn everything you can about the issue. Then you have power,” Wilson said. “The youth today have more power today than they did in Vietnam [protests].”

Wilson encouraged students to use their voices and speak up. She, as well as Balukoff, insisted upon students registering to vote as soon as they possibly can at age 18.

“We register our students to vote in senior year. If [school districts] will start doing that regularly, it will make a difference in what happens in the legislature,” Wilson said.

Note: The general election is Nov. 6. People who are or will be 18 by that date can easily register to vote by going to the Department of Motor Vehicles or by texting PTP to RTVOTE (788-683).