Today is the 72th anniversary of Indigenous peoples right to vote in Arizona ✊🏽
Though Arizona was one of the first states to ratify women’s suffrage (1912 and 1920), this did not apply to Indigenous women.
Though Arizona was one of the first states to ratify women’s suffrage (1912 and 1920), this did not apply to Indigenous women.
Native Americans did not become citizens in Arizona until 1924, and were not allowed to vote in Arizona until 1948 when the Arizona Supreme Court overturned a long standing ban on Indian voting.
Arizona’s Indigenous peoples continued to be excluded from the ballot until 1970 when English literacy tests were outlawed.
Unfortunately, many Native peoples in Arizona continue to experience voting difficulties today.
Unfortunately, many Native peoples in Arizona continue to experience voting difficulties today.
Barriers include:
❌Restrictions on the hours & days that people can register and vote.
❌Requirements that people provide government issued identification before voting.
❌The removal of eligible voters from the lists of registered voters.
❌Restrictions on the hours & days that people can register and vote.
❌Requirements that people provide government issued identification before voting.
❌The removal of eligible voters from the lists of registered voters.
❌Travel distance to register and vote, since many Indigenous peoples live in rural areas.
❌Campaigns & campaigners don’t reach out to Indigenous voters
❌Campaigns & campaigners don’t reach out to Indigenous voters
Despite these issues, 72% of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations are registered voters and are actively engaged in the political process. Native Americans make up 7% of Arizona state demographics and can influence National and State politics. The Native vote is important as ever in 2020.
This year, there are over 10 Native American candidates running for office in Arizona, from school boards, judges, county recorder, state representatives and state senators!!
Please celebrate this hard earned right by voting in AZ’s primary (August 4th) & in Nov.
Support Indigenous sovereignty by voting for Indigenous candidates, voting for candidates who meet with tribal leadership, whose actions show they support Indigenous self determination and make the first peoples of Arizona a priority 🙏🏽
Know an Indigenous candidate in Arizona you want to support? Give them a shoutout in the comments (so we can all learn!)
I'll start--@gabriella_for, running in county recorder in Pima county!
I'll start--@gabriella_for, running in county recorder in Pima county!
Another Indigenous candidate, from my own nation, is @GonzalesSally for AZ state senator!
