Thread by @kira_lerner

1. I’ve spent a long time reporting this story on how Native Americans are being denied the right to vote. It’s an important and complicated topic, so let me walk you through what’s happening and how it can be fixed
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2. In 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, which has had detrimental affects on voters of color across the south. But most people don’t know that it has also meant many new barriers for Native American voters
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3. Without federal restrictions, states have passed laws that suppress voters on Indian County. They’ve removed polling places from reservations, cut voting and registration opportunities, and made it a felony to mail someone else’s ballot goo.gl/LojXhY

4. Some western states have also moved to vote-by-mail elections. While that system may be helpful for some voters, it's detrimental to many Native Americans, who live in remote areas and get their mail at shared PO boxes goo.gl/LojXhY

5. Since 2012, Native voters have had to file 7 federal voting rights lawsuits in 6 states. They’ve been largely successful, but litigation costs millions of dollars and takes many years.

In the meantime, elections pass and Native voters are left out goo.gl/LojXhY

6. Native American voters told me they need Congress, the Justice Department, state governments, and local election officials to recognize the problems. And do something to help goo.gl/LojXhY

7. It’s been almost 100 years since Native Americans became U.S. citizens. It’s imperative that we offer this nation’s first occupants equal access to the ballot goo.gl/LojXhY

Thanks to @DianaAOfosu for the A+ graphics and to all of the Native American voters and their advocates who shared their stories goo.gl/LojXhY