The president of Navajo Nation, Buu Nygren, expressed his disappointment on Tuesday after Apache County encountered technical issues at several voting locations. Apache County, one of the five counties in Arizona that supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, played a significant role in Biden's narrow victory in the state by less than 11,000 votes. The voter turnout in Apache County in 2020 doubled compared to 2016.
Nygren highlighted the irony of technical problems occurring in the county with the highest Navajo population, considering the community's influence on President Biden's win. He raised concerns about Navajo voters enduring long and challenging commutes over vast and rough terrain to cast their votes, only to be turned away and asked to return later. In response, Navajo Nation is requesting an extension of voting hours on Tuesday night to accommodate voters.
Nygren mentioned the difficulties in reaching voters due to poor connectivity and broadband issues, particularly affecting elders and main voters who travel long distances to reach polling stations. Some voters navigate difficult roads, traveling at slow speeds, facing muddy conditions, and even needing to borrow gas money or rely on friends for transportation.
The exact number of impacted voters remains unclear, but Nygren emphasized the importance of every vote and the disappointment experienced by those affected. He stressed the significance of ensuring a positive voting experience for all individuals and the need to address the challenges faced by voters in Apache County.
