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The Power of the Native Vote in the 2024 Election
By Joshua Arce
We are officially two weeks away from the 2024 presidential election – considered one of the most pivotal in American history. You might not realize it, but Native Americans can make a huge difference in shaping our future. Let’s dive into why the Native vote matters so much!
History of the Native Vote
Let’s take a quick trip back in history. For a long time, Native Americans faced significant barriers to voting. Not even 60 years ago, the 1965 Voting Rights Act was the first time anyone at the federal level questioned Native voting. Before that, each state decided whether to count Native votes.
Even today, Native voters face many hurdles… seemingly simple things like access to polling stations and reliable postal service. Understanding this history is crucial as it helps us see why every vote counts.
Access to Voting Should Not Be a Challenge
There has certainly been an uptick in Native American voters since 1965. Yet, a report by the Native American Rights Fund cites 1 million eligible Native Americans (or 34%) not registered to vote.
Real issues like access to polling places, rejection of tribal IDs, and lack of transportation can block the Native vote. For many living on reservations, the nearest polling station can be up to 60 miles away. This means a difficult journey over rough and sometimes dirt roads. Additionally, many homes on reservations do not have addresses with a street name or receive mail. So, these citizens cannot easily access voting by mail or early voting.
Unique challenges like these discourage Tribal citizens from participating in the electoral process. This is why awareness, advocacy, and good intentions on the part of the states are so crucial.
The Current Landscape + Possible Outcomes
All of the candidates running in the 2024 election are under scrutiny from various standpoints. Until recently, neither presidential candidate made any sort of comments, appeals, or acknowledgment of support for Indian Country. Here are some of the most recent updates and claims made by candidates with regard to Native Americans:
- In late September at a North Carolina rally, former President Donald Trump promised immediate federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe. Federal recognition has always been controlled by the Department of the Interior. Such an act would create an expectation of the same treatment for other tribes, upend the current process for recognition, and possibly be viewed as an abuse of power, discretion, and authority.
- At an Arizona rally a couple of weeks ago, Vice President Kamala Harris claimed that she will make it a point to honor “Tribal sovereignty, embrace (U.S.) trust in treaty obligations, and ensure Tribal self-determination.” All of this should happen regardless of who wins the election since Federal Indian Law is deeply rooted in the laws of this nation.
- If Harris and Walz win the presidential election, Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s current Lt. Gov., could be the first Native woman to serve as state governor. This would be a significant step forward in terms of Native representation.
- Former Navajo President Jonathan Nez could win a seat in Congress representing Arizona, which includes 12 tribes. Nez’s platform is heavily focused on the cost of living, especially for affordable housing and utilities/infrastructure. Lack of internet, running water, and electricity are basic issues that Native Americans face on reservations every day.
Why the 2024 Vote Matters
So, why is 2024 particularly important? Well, this election is poised to address several key issues that directly affect Tribal communities. Candidates need to listen to Native concerns, from land rights to healthcare and education – and that’s where voting comes in. When Native Americans head to the polls this year, they can make their needs front and center in the national conversation. Know your candidate!