The Navajo Nation parade held in Arizona recently saw both the Arizona Republican Party and the Biden-Harris campaign present, highlighting the electoral importance of the Navajo tribe members in the state. President Joe Biden’s slim victory in Arizona in the previous election has made it a key battleground state this year. Both parties are making efforts to appeal to tribal voters, with the GOP setting up a field office in the capital of Navajo Nation, while the Biden-Harris campaign opened a field office closer to several reservations.
The Senate race in Arizona is crucial, with Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and GOP nominee Kari Lake vying for a seat currently held by retiring independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Both candidates are reaching out to Indigenous voters, with Gallego emphasizing the importance of engaging with tribal communities and addressing their needs. Lake, who previously ran for governor, has made efforts to connect with voters on the Navajo Nation through museum visits and community events.
The presence of both Senate candidates at the Navajo Nation parade highlights the significance of Indigenous voters in the upcoming election. Campaign efforts are being made to encourage voter turnout and address issues faced by tribal communities, such as access to basic necessities like water, electricity, and healthcare. Both parties are being urged to increase their outreach to Indigenous voters, as well as address voting barriers faced by Native Americans, such as long distances to polling places and inadequate transportation.
Diné activist Allie Young has been organizing efforts to mobilize Native American voters through trail rides and events like “Saddle up for Change.” Her campaigns aim to honor ancestors who faced challenges in voting by promoting voter registration and participation within the Navajo Nation community. Despite the efforts to increase voter engagement, some tribal members, like Loretta Charley, feel neglected by political campaigns due to living in remote areas with limited access to resources and inadequate infrastructure.
The sentiment among voters from the Navajo Nation varies, with some supporting the Biden-Harris campaign while others are critical of the current administration’s handling of the economy. Both parties are working to earn the support of tribal voters, recognizing the impact they could have on the outcome of the election. Efforts to address the needs of tribal communities and increase voter accessibility are being made by candidates and activists alike, reflecting the importance of engaging Indigenous voters in the political process.
