"A governor once told me that he wasn't concerned about the reservation vote. Why? Because they (Indian people from the reservation) don't vote, he told me.

Unfortunately, he was right at that time.

Indian people, however, are slowly becoming a force in state elections, particularly in states such as South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, where there are 24 tribes and reservations.

South Dakota is a good example of how a tribe influenced the election of a congressman. With a little nudging, Indian people from Pine Ridge, S.D., helped elect Rep. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., in 2002.

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota has moved its communities from a lackadaisical attitude about elections to one of enthusiasm. They are a force to be reckoned with in state elections."

Get the Story:
DORREEN YELLOW BIRD COLUMN: Indian vote gains strength in Dakotas, Minnesota (The Grand Forks Herald 8/3)

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