Report highlights voting inequities in tribal communities

Jun 17, 20200

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Mildred James of Sanders, Arizona, shows off her "I Voted" sticker as she waits for results of the Navajo Nation presidential primary election to be revealed in Window Rock, Ariz. In race for Navajo Nation president, candidates have similar priorities. Their leadership style might be the deciding factor. The contenders are Joe Shirley Jr., and Jonathan Nez. (AP Photo/Cayla Nimmo, File)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Native American voting rights advocates are cautioning against states moving to mail-in ballots without opportunities for tribal members to vote safely in person.

In a wide-ranging report released June 4, the Native American Rights Fund outlined the challenges that could arise: online registration hampered by spotty or no internet service, ballots delivered to rarely-checked Post Office boxes and turnout curbed by a general reluctance to vote by mail.

"We're all for increased vote by mail," said Jacqueline De Leon, a staff attorney with the group and a member of Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico. "We're absolutely against all vote by mail. If there are no in-person opportunities, then Native Americans will be disenfranchised because it will be impossible for some of them to cast a ballot."

https://www.nhonews.com/news/2020/jun/16/report-highlights-voting-inequities-tribal-communi/