Big Sky Connection - The Western United States' most prominent Indigenous rights group holds the next in a series of workshops around the state today (Mon., Sept. 23) to register Native voters and encourage them to participate in this and upcoming elections. Western Native Voice says it is important for Indigenous voters to understand the power they hold at the ballot box. Comments from Tracie Garfield, communications director, Western Native Voice. (Additional pronouncer: Belknap, "BELL-nap.")
Click on the image above for the audio. Western Native Voice's 'Snag Dat Vote' is designed to make sure every Indigenous voter is prepared and energized to cast their ballot. (Adobe Stock)
Mark Moran
September 23, 2024 - Montana's largest Indigenous rights group is hosting a series of events around the state to empower Native voters as the election draws closer. The next event begins today in Fort Belknap.
The events in the Snag Dat Vote Tour are about more than just registering and encouraging all Indigenous people to vote.
Western Native Voice Communications Director Tracie Garfield said there's a special focus on educating young people.
"They're brand new voters, so this might be the first time they're voting," said Garfield. "But I believe that if we can get them to vote in this election, the likelihood of them voting in more elections is pretty high."
In addition to the Fort Belknap event that starts today, she said Western Native Voice is holding outreach events in Crow Agency, Lame Deer, Polson, and Poplar through early October.
Garfield said educating Indigenous people about the importance of their voices in elections is a critical part of the democratic process, especially in Indian country.
"Not just this election, but in the city, state, local county elections," said Garfield. "We want to make sure voting becomes a family tradition - because Native people haven't been voting that long, and making it a family tradition is something that we would really like to see."
Western Native Voice also launched an online voter guide, called Ballot Builder, to help educate voters about the candidates and issues before they head to the polls.
