A recent study conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice has shed light on the significant disparities in Native American voter turnout, particularly in presidential elections, due to systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands. The study focused on 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native and have a population of at least 5,000.
Researchers discovered that voter participation in federal elections between 2012 and 2022 was 7% lower in midterms and 15% lower in presidential elections among those residing on tribal lands compared to those living off tribal lands in the same states. This trend was contrary to earlier studies that showed higher voter turnout for communities of color in areas where their ethnic group is the majority.
The study highlighted various challenges faced by Native American voters on tribal lands, including a lack of adequate polling places, limited access to early and mail-in ballots, and nontraditional addresses that make mail-in voting difficult. Additionally, long distances to polling locations and insufficient public transportation further hinder Native American voter participation.
Furthermore, the study revealed instances where Native American voters were denied the ability to vote using their tribal IDs, contributing to a sense of distrust in the electoral system. The lack of accurate data on Native American communities poses a significant challenge in understanding voting trends and needs for these populations.
Experts emphasized the need for tailored solutions to address voting barriers on tribal lands, such as the passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act, which aims to provide equitable in-person voting options in every precinct on tribal lands. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities and implementing targeted measures, researchers and lawmakers can work towards ensuring fair and inclusive electoral processes for Native Americans.
