Native America Calling: Ways to improve rural Native voting access

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

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Ways to improve rural Native voting access

Nevada is the first state to extend electronic ballots to tribal members.

The voting system allows them to register and vote from their own homes, giving rural Native voters an alternative to traveling miles to their nearest polling or ballot drop-off site in Nevada. But it’s an idea that other states remain wary of.

In Alaska, efforts to improve voting among Native voters remain elusive. Opposition from Republican state lawmakers killed a bill eliminating witness signatures on absentee ballots.

On a conservative talk show, the Alaska House Speaker admitted she opposed the measure because it would have favored U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat and the only Alaska Native in Congress. Peltola calls it “a concerted effort to silence” Native votes.

Join Native America Calling to discuss progress and continuing hurdles for Native voters.

“We casted our votes at RSIC’s Early Voting Polling Location. Now it’s your turn!” – Chairman Gardipe & Councilman Toby Stump #TurnOutTheNativeVote
Posted by Reno-Sparks Indian Colony on Saturday, October 19, 2024

Guests on Native America Calling

Mathilda Guerrero Miller (Kanaka Maoli), government relations director for Native Voters Alliance Nevada

Elveda Martinez (Walker River Paiute Tribe), voter rights activist in Nevada

Michelle Sparck (Qissunamiut Tribe of Chevak), director of Get Out the Native Vote in Alaska

Gabriel Di Chiara, Chief Deputy, Secretary of State for Nevada