Indian voting rights in South Dakota are at risk as Republicans in Congress hold up a bill to renew the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Provisions in the law have been used numerous times in South Dakota to help Indian candidates get elected at the local, county and state level. They also ensure Indian voters receive assistance at the polls.

But some Republicans in southern states are holding up the law because they don't like federal scrutiny. The Department of Justice is required to review voting plans in certain states where discrimination is a known problem.

South Dakota is one of them. Advocates say Indian voters are still intimidated and harassed despite record turnouts at the polls.

Get the Story:
Indian vote affected if crucial act expires (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/30)

Civil Rights Report:
Voting Rights in South Dakota, 1982-2006 (May 17, 2006)

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