It has been a century since Native Americans were granted the right to vote through the Indian Citizenship Act. However, barriers like difficulties accessing polling places, a lack of nearby postal service offices, and poor or nonexistent internet connectivity continue to prevent Indigenous voters from exercising their right to vote.
“I have seen how challenging it can be when someone wants to participate in our democratic process and is facing barriers, whether it’s registration, voting on Election Day, or trying to get their ballot to a drop box,” said Christina Stanton, director of the American Indian Law Clinic at the University of Colorado Boulder. The clinic has provided pro bono legal services to Indigenous people since 1992.
Stanton’s remarks were part of SkyPep, a new initiative at Fort Lewis College that encourages students and community members to consider and exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
During her recent presentation at FLC, “The Power of the Indigenous Vote,” Stanton discussed the history of Indigenous people becoming U.S. citizens and the challenges they continue to face in making their voices heard. Some of these issues include state regulations requiring a physical address on identification, a lack of election information in Native languages, and the placement of U.S. Postal Service offices far from reservations.
“I wanted to ensure I work with students and the community so they can have these conversations and help educate people on an individual level, but also to remove barriers and help people vote,” Stanton said.
Among the attendees was Junior Suntilla Jack, who is Yuchi/Euchee, Alabama-Quassarte, and Muscogee (Creek). Jack said she enjoyed the presentation but noted that it didn’t address Indigenous people’s hesitancy to become U.S. citizens.
“There’s a lack of understanding of why Indigenous people don’t feel comfortable voting or calling themselves American,” she said, adding that addressing these concerns is key to increasing Indigenous voter turnout. “It’s important to know how powerful states are, why it’s important for Native people to be involved with their state, and how many laws are still being passed that can either benefit or oppress us.”
Stanton emphasized that dismantling voting barriers requires collaboration with tribal leaders.
“Working alongside Native nations is the model I want to see throughout our country and with our elected officials,” Stanton said.
She added that it is crucial for Native Americans to vote in every election cycle.
“Depending on the administration, we see changes to environmental policies, human rights policies, voting rights, health care, and social services,” Stanton said. “Each of those impacts everyone as a citizen of this country, but many will disproportionately affect Native peoples. We want an administration that considers the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples when passing laws. With every election cycle, there are significant changes—good or bad—that impact all citizens, especially Indigenous peoples.”
SkyPep’s next event is a journalist panel on October 8 at 6 pm in Noble Hall, Room 130. Journalists will discuss how they cover politics, the importance of representing diverse stories, and the evolving role of journalism in fostering informed and engaged citizenship.
For a full list of events visit the SkyPEP website to learn more about the program.