Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. This month reminds us to celebrate their histories and contributions, ensuring their voices are heard and recognized.
At DSPolitical, we believe in the importance of uplifting these extraordinary individuals whose rich heritage is the foundational fabric of our nation. We are dedicated to empowering Native American candidates and amplifying their voices throughout the year. Learn more about some of the inspiring Indigenous American candidates we’ve partnered with here.
Native American Voting Trends and Impact
As we approach the 2024 Presidential Election, it’s essential to examine voting participation trends within the Native American community. Recent research from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reveals a significant gender gap in voting preferences: 67% of Native American women plan to support Kamala Harris, while only 22% favor Donald Trump. In contrast, among Native American men, 53% intend to vote for Trump, with 39% leaning toward Harris.
Understanding these dynamics, particularly gender disparity, helps us grasp how this small but influential group may shape the political landscape and impact the broader electoral outcome. Additionally, according to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), the population of Native Americans and Alaska Natives is growing, currently estimated at around 6.8 million. Despite being a smaller segment of the U.S. population, Native Americans are emerging as a formidable political force, especially in regions where they are concentrated. Their voting power has been crucial in determining election outcomes in states like the Dakotas, Alaska, and parts of the Southwest, where their collective votes can sway both local and national races.
As we head into the 2024 Presidential Election, recognizing these trends and the potential impact of Native American voters is more important than ever. Their engagement in the electoral process could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation.
Addressing Voting Barriers:
Voting barriers for the Native American community remain a significant challenge, often starting at the very first step: registration. According to NARF, many Native American voters face issues such as the lack of traditional mailing addresses, homelessness, and housing instability, which further complicate the registration process. Once registered, Native Americans encounter further obstacles when it comes to casting their ballots. These include inadequate funding for voting activities within Native American communities, insufficient pre-election information, and cultural isolation. Access to in-person and early voting is often limited, while vote-by-mail options present their own challenges. The lack of Native American election workers further exacerbates these issues.
Addressing these barriers ensures that Native American voices are heard and represented in the electoral process. Possible solutions from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission include fostering collaborative relationships with tribal leaders to understand local voting access challenges, coordinating with local service providers to distribute voter registration forms, and improving access to polling locations. Recruiting Native American election workers to assist with early and Election Day voting, as well as establishing polling places on tribal lands, can significantly enhance accessibility. Additionally, having drop box locations geographically accessible and making necessary accommodations at polling sites—such as improving parking and pathways—will create a more inclusive voting environment.
By implementing these strategies, we can significantly improve voting access and representation for Native American communities, ensuring their voices are integral to our democracy.
Interested in learning how DSPolitical can help you reach the voters you need? Contact us to find out how we can support your campaign.