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Native America Calling
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Native America Calling: New post office rule is among potential hurdles for Native voters
Thursday, January 8, 2026

New post office rule is among potential hurdles for Native voters
The U.S. Postal Service just implemented a seemingly minor rule that is worrying Native American voting rights advocates.

Advocates and others say it is among a number of changes that add to the barriers Native voters face getting their ballots counted come this November. The new rule changes when mail, including mail-in ballots, are postmarked, shortening the time frame for when the ballots are deemed valid.

It applies most directly to voters in states with large Native populations, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico along with nearly a dozen others.

Tune in to talk with Native voting rights advocates about this rule change and other challenges to the Native voting access in 2026.

U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Postal Service vehicles. Photo: Sam LaRussa (blueshift12)

Guests on Native America Calling
Jacqueline de León (Isleta Pueblo), senior staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund

OJ Semans Sr. (Rosebud Sioux), co-executive director of Four Directions Vote

Jonnette Paddy (Navajo), communications associate for Indigenous Voices of Nevada

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

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