Encouraging novel voting methods will be hard work

Last week I listened in to a web presentation hosted by the Arizona Democratic Party that included Clara Pratte, presidential candidate Joe Biden's Tribal Engagement Director, and Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas, one of two Native Americans in Congress.

Ms. Pratte emphasized that no other segment of the population is more in need of a functioning U.S. administration, since the 578 tribal Indian governments depend on having a partner that listens and learns.

Rep. Davids reported that serving in Congress has required her to become adept at educating the other members about tribal sovereignty. Along with Rep. Debra Haaland of New Mexico, also an enrolled tribal member, she feels herself a bit of a novelty in Congress. There's a  Black Caucus, and a Hispanic Caucus, and an Asian-American Caucus -- where do these two women -- "the +2" -- fit in?

Both speakers emphasized that Native voting could help swing the election, especially in Arizona where 4.5% of the population is considered American Indian according to the Census. The local Navajo nation has experienced one of the most devastating outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country. So the Democratic Party and the Kansas congresswoman are urging widespread use of mail-in ballots.

An Arizona listener pointed out that the mail-in ballot push might encounter a significant cultural obstacle: historically the Navajo nation has held tribal elections the same day as the federal election, encouraging voters to gather centrally. This creates additional incentives for traveling long distances to vote -- and welcome opportunities for friends and family to socialize. Voting safely in the pandemic is going to force people to adopt a new, isolating, individualistic practice. This is tough where the internet is scarce and where postal facilities are few.

It was agreed that the most useful method for reaching out to explain mail-in voting to tribal members would be local radio.

Counties with large Native American populations with reported infection rates above 1,500 cases per 100,000 residents. New York Times

The pandemic has been brutal in Indian country. And Indian country can help make a difference for us all.