Voter identification laws pose "significant barriers" to American Indians and Alaska Native voters in six states, the National Congress of American Indians said in a report on Monday.

Alaska, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin require voters to present photo identification at the polls. All are states with a significant number of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Two states in particular -- Alaska, where Alaska Natives make up 16 percent of the population, and Florida -- won't accept tribal IDs at the pools. A third state, Minnesota, is considering a law that could leave out tribal cards.

“We will not be deterred – Indian Country is focused on turning out the largest Native vote in history this year – and this report helps us focus our protection and education efforts. Voter ID laws and photo ID laws are a major concern and we are working to make sure Native voters have the information they need to make their voice heard,” NCAI President Jefferson Keel said in a press release.

The NCAI report also highlighted barriers that Native voters face in obtaining a valid ID to vote in these states. A lack of street addresses on reservations and Alaska Native villages is one issue that could hinder turnout, the group said.

Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: Elections 2012: National Congress of American Indians Challenges ID Laws, Promotes Native Voters (Indian Country Today 10/23)
National tribal group focuses on voter ID laws, encourages registration in Indian Country (AP 10/22)
Brown lauds strength of American Indians (AP 10/22)