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The Native vote could play a role in key elections across the country. Tribal leaders and Native rights advocates see the Native vote as an important influence in election results, which could further impact policy issues for tribes. In addition, a number of Native American are seeing victories in their run for office in state and congressional seats. National Native News is following a number of these stories in our Native Vote 2018 coverage.
Navajo voters choose among 18 presidential primary hopefuls
by Antonia Gonzales
The Navajo Nation’s economy is a major campaign issue due to the precarious future of the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station, which is a major source of revenue and jobs for the tribe. The primary ballot for president includes the current incumbent, his vice president and three women among many others. It’s the first election since a purge of 52,000 people from the voter rolls. The top two vote-getters go on to the general election in November.
This story is a collaboration between National Native News and High Country News. Read more here.
State Representative Peggy Flanagan is running for lt. governor of Minnesota with Congressman Tim Walz for governor. (Screenshot)
Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation, is the Democratic candidate for lt. governor of Minnesota. Listen to an interview with Peggy after winning the nomination.
Lt. Colonel Donna Bergstrom is running for lt. governor of Minnesota with Jeff Johnson for governor. (Photo-Jeff Johnson for Governor, Facebook)
Donna Bergstrom, Red Lake Nation, is the Republican nominee for lt. governor of Minnesota. Listen to an interview with Donna after securing the nomination.
Sample ballots for the Navajo Nation primary election line the wall at the tribe’s election administration office. (Photo-Antonia Gonzales)
A Navajo chapter coordinator is concerned the Navajo Nation voter purge discourages young voters. Under Navajo law, citizens who did not vote in 2014 or 2016 were purged and had until late July to reregister.
Supporters gather for a watch party on primary night in Kansas for Democrat Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk, running for Congress. (Photo-Rhonda LeValdo)
Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk, secures the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in Kansas.
Kris Beecher held a voter registration drive for Navajo people living in the Phoenix area. (Photo-Kris Beecher, Facebook)
Kris Beecher holds a voter registration drive for urban Navajo people in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Senate Rules Committee held a roundtable on voting rights, access, and barriers in Indian County. (Photo-Navajo Nation Washington Office)
Tribal leaders and U.S. lawmakers address barriers to voting in Indian Country.
Debra Haaland from Laguna Pueblo is a step closer to becoming the first Native American woman in Congress. (Photo-Andi Murphy)
Debra Haaland is a step closer to being first Native American woman in Congress.
Paulette Jordan, Coeur d’Alene, is the first Native American to win the Democratic primary in Idaho’s gubernatorial race. (Photo: Lee David Zahir, Representative Paulette Jordan Facebook page)
Paulette Jordan is optimistic about Idaho’s gubernatorial race after she wins the Democratic nomination.
