Empowering Indian Country to Vote
Everything sacred is on the ballot. And voting gives Indian Country a voice in policies and issues that impact our communities, including those related to the environment, economy, healthcare, and education. Voting is also a way we can protect tribal sovereignty and our Indigenous rights, which can be threatened or strengthened by the outcome of an election.
Leaning Into the Organizing Power of Our People
Our votes hold the power to change the conditions in which we organize, during election years and beyond. At Native Organizers Alliance we lean into the power of our communities, partnering with Tribal Nations, Native-led organizations, and community leaders to conduct voter outreach and education every election year.
Our Native Vote fellowship creates a network of organizers throughout Indian Country to share ideas and messaging, learn from one another, and brainstorm solutions to make the voting process easier and more accessible to Native voters. Our moccasins on the ground approach allows us to work within communities to share information, such as key dates, polling locations, in-person and mail-in voting information, and research.
Native Vote Resources & Materials
To support our fellows and others, we develop materials to help them reach and educate Native voters—from voter protection materials to artist collaborations and swag.
Some of our recent materials include:
Voter Protection Card
Know your rights at the polls and when to call 866-OUR-VOTE. Created in partnership with Native American Rights Fund (NARF). Print specs: 8.5”x11”, no bleeds, cut in half horizontally
Voter Pledge Card
Printable pledge card for organizers to conduct community engagement. Print specs: 8.5”x11”, no bleeds, cut in half horizontally
Voter Checklist
A step-by-step check list to be prepared to vote before or on Election day. Print specs: 4x6in postcard with bleed
Know Your Rights Zine
Printable zine communicating the rights every voter has. Developed in collaboration with the Native American Rights Funds (NARF). Design by Emma Noyes (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation).
Print instructions: Print horizontal with the smallest/zero margins.
Folding instructions: Fold in half long ways with print side out. While folded, cut along the dotted line. Continue to fold along the sections vertical lines, like an accordion.
Candidate Research Zine
Printable zine featuring a step-by-step guide for voters to identify the candidate(s) that represent their values and priorities. Design by Emma Noyes (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation).
Print instructions: Print horizontal with the smallest/zero margins.
Folding instructions: Fold in half long ways with print side out. While folded, cut along the dotted line. Continue to fold along the sections vertical lines, like an accordion.
Making the Voting Process Easier and Accessible
NOA collaborates with Native-led organizations and tribes to encourage voting across Indian Country. We engage our network of Indigenous grassroots organizers to work within their communities to share information, such as key dates, polling locations, in-person and mail-in voting information, and research. This work is intended to make the voting process easier and more accessible to Native voters. We also partner with IllumiNative, Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to advocate for Native representation at all levels of government and fight against policies that hinder Native peoples’ right to vote.
Indigenous Futures Survey
In 2024, NOA and partners conducted the third annual Indigenous Futures Survey to capture Indigenous peoples’ perspectives and concerns around issues and policies impacting Indian Country.
Native American Rights Voting Act
NOA is a member of the NAVRA Coalition, which advocates for the re-introduction and passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA). This bill seeks to remove voting barriers that unfairly impact Native communities.
Native Organizing Fellowship Program
NOA works with our network of Indigenous grassroots organizers to share resources and information in key voting states. We are currently accepting applications to hire organizing fellows for the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections this November.
