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As the November 5th elections approach, Native communities across the United States face a pivotal moment. With Native Americans among the fastest-growing populations, their voting power is stronger than ever. In 2020, Native American voter turnout increased by nearly 12%, a historic leap that helped shape critical outcomes (Native American Voting Rights Coalition, 2021). This election holds the potential to shape policies affecting healthcare, land rights, tribal sovereignty, and more. Here’s what’s at stake and why every Native vote counts.
Healthcare Access and Medicaid
For many Native communities, access to quality healthcare remains essential yet often difficult to secure. Medicaid serves as a critical safety net, but recent changes have lead to disenrollment for thousands of Montanans. The decisions made in this election will impact Medicaid access and healthcare funding for Native health programs, mental health services, and maternal health care, wellness centers—services that provide crucial resources for Native populations.
Protecting Voting Rights
Voting in Native communities can be challenging due to factors such as long distances to polling locations, limited transportation, and restrictive voter ID laws. This election’s outcome could bring changes that make voting easier or, conversely, introduce new barriers. Organizations like Western Native Voice are actively working to protect voting rights, promote civic engagement, and ensure that Native voices are counted in elections that shape their futures.
Climate and Environmental Protection
Native lands are among the first to experience the effects of climate change, including droughts and threats to sacred sites. Many tribes rely on natural resources for cultural practices and economic stability. The policies influenced by this election will shape land use and climate protections, impacting Native-led stewardship of these lands. Native voters have a chance in 2024 to influence climate policies directly affecting their environment and future.
Tribal Sovereignty
Tribal sovereignty, the right of tribes to self-govern, is fundamental in U.S.-tribal relations, but recent legal decisions have highlighted the fragility of these rights. Issues from land management to criminal jurisdiction are closely tied to sovereignty. The leaders elected in 2024 will have the power to uphold or challenge tribal autonomy, affecting tribes’ abilities to govern their lands and communities without interference.
Economic Growth and Opportunity
Native-owned businesses and tribal enterprises play a vital role in economic resilience within Native communities, creating jobs and fostering growth. Policies supporting Native entrepreneurship, infrastructure expansion, and broadband access are essential to sustaining this progress. This election will help shape the economic landscape, either opening opportunities for continued development or posing new challenges.
The Impact of Native Voters
On November 5th, Native voters across the country have a powerful opportunity to make their voices heard. In states like Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico, where Native populations are significant, Native voters have the potential to influence outcomes on both local and national levels. Organizations like Western Native Voice are mobilizing to reduce voting barriers and provide support, such as rides to the polls and community events.
“When we show up at the polls, we’re not just casting a vote; we’re making sure our voices are heard in decisions that impact our families and our future,” says Ronnie Jo Horse, Executive Director of Western Native Voice. “Each vote is a chance to protect our rights, care for our lands, and build something lasting for generations to come.”
With Native American voter turnout rising by nearly 12% in 2020, every Native vote in 2024 has the potential to shape a future that respects Native rights, protects sacred lands, and strengthens Native communities (Native American Voting Rights Coalition, 2021). This election is more than just a vote; it is a chance to build a legacy that future generations of Native Americans can be proud of.
MONTANA — In a sweeping campaign to galvanize voter turnout across Montana’s Native communities, Western Native Voice concluded its “Snag Dat Vote” tour, a two-day voter education and engagement event that reached every Montana reservation and the city of Great Falls. At a time when Native voters face unique barriers to participation, the tour blended community gatherings, informational sessions, and entertainment to empower Native communities with the tools and knowledge to participate in the 2024 election.
Research highlights the effectiveness of grassroots organizing, particularly when it is community-centered. Studies on relational organizing, a strategy that leverages interpersonal relationships, show it can increase voter turnout by up to 11% among communities that often face additional voting barriers (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2023; Progressive Turnout Project, 2021).
Each tour stop’s second day kicked off with Western Native Voice’s field team canvassing directly in the community, engaging residents to encourage voter registration and answer questions about the upcoming election. Through these face-to-face interactions, the team connected with hundreds of voters and collected over 300 new registrations across all stops, underscoring the impact of direct voter education and engagement in fostering civic participation.
“Our Field Team worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the October 7th registration deadline, securing 328 new voter registrations during the tour,” said Sami Walking Bear, Outreach and Field Director. “We canvassed over 500 doors, sharing election information and offering assistance to voters needing help with ballots or transportation to the polls.”
Each evening culminated in a high-energy celebration, headlined by Native comedians and musicians whose performances underscored the importance of the Native vote in shaping Montana’s future. The shows fostered a vibrant, inclusive environment that reinforced the significance of civic participation, reminding attendees of their role in creating positive change.
Western Native Voice’s approach aligns with these findings, highlighting the value of connecting people not only to voting resources but also to each other.
Save the date for the 2024 Tribal-State Policy Summit, presented by the Montana Budget & Policy Center and Western Native Voice, which will take place from Oct. 21st to 23rd.
This three-day virtual event, guided by the State Budget Handbook for Indian Country, is designed for tribal leaders, college students, faculty, staff, and advocates from Indian Country.
The Summit will cover:
The impacts of state budgets and policies on Indian Country
Key strategies for tracking legislative activities
Advice on how to provide public comments
Each session will delve into essential topics, culminating in a panel discussion with experienced advocates and experts, including members of the Montana American Indian Caucus.
Click the link to register for the 2024 Tribal-State Policy Summit to equip yourself with the tools and insights needed to amplify your community’s voice and advance your policy objectives. Plus, every attendee has a chance to win daily prizes!
With absentee ballots set to start hitting mailboxes on October 11, Native voters across Montana are being encouraged to prepare by using Ballot Builder, an online tool designed to simplify the voting process. Western Native Voice, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing Native political participation, is promoting the tool as part of its broader civic engagement efforts ahead of the 2024 election.
Ballot Builder allows voters to create a personalized sample ballot based on their home address. The tool provides users with a detailed look at the candidates, ballot initiatives, and issues that will appear on their local ballot. By offering accessible information in a straightforward format, Ballot Builder helps voters make informed decisions before heading to the polls or mailing in their absentee ballots.
Western Native Voice has consistently highlighted the unique challenges faced by Native voters, including limited access to polling locations and a lack of information about candidates and policies that affect Native communities. Ballot Builder is designed to address these challenges by providing easy access to relevant, community-focused information.
For Native voters, this tool can be especially helpful in understanding how candidates’ positions on issues like healthcare, education, and tribal sovereignty will impact their communities. By making the voting process more transparent, Western Native Voice aims to empower Native voters to participate confidently in the electoral process.
Voters can access Ballot Builder by visiting wnv.branch.vote. Once on the site, users simply input their address to receive a personalized sample ballot. The platform provides detailed descriptions of each candidate and ballot initiative, allowing voters to review and make informed decisions.
The tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on any device, making it easy for voters to use at their convenience.
Ballot Builder is just one aspect of Western Native Voice’s efforts to increase Native voter turnout and participation. The organization has been actively involved in voter registration drives, educational events, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns, all aimed at helping Native communities engage more fully in the political process.
For more information about Ballot Builder, visit wnv.branch.vote.
MONTANA — In September, Western Native Voice launched the Snag Dat Vote Tour, a crucial effort to strengthen Native political engagement in five Native communities—Blackfeet, Rocky Boy, Fort Belknap, Polson (CSKT area), and Fort Peck. Each stop was a two-day event designed to empower Native voters through education, community building, and direct action, with the ultimate goal of increasing voter turnout in the 2024 election.
The first night of each stop featured a community feed, where local residents came together to share a meal and engage in meaningful discussions about the power of their vote. The conversations went beyond just the mechanics of voting; they highlighted why every vote matters in shaping the future for Native communities. By explaining how votes are counted and discussing the real impact voting has on issues like healthcare, education, and sovereignty, the tour helped motivate attendees to participate in the election.
The second day was all about action. Western Native Voice’s field team went door-to-door, engaging with community members on a personal level. Over 100 doors were knocked at each stop, with 33% of those interactions resulting in new voter registrations. These efforts were part of a larger strategy to boost voter engagement ahead of the October 7th voter registration deadline.
“Our field team worked hard to get as many voter registrations as possible before the deadline,” said Sami Walking Bear, Western Native Voice’s Field & Outreach Director. Walking Bear noted that the team, along with community organizers, knocked on over 500 doors across the tour stops. They not only registered new voters but also provided election information and offered assistance to those needing help with getting to the polls or submitting their ballots.
To celebrate the momentum and energy from the canvassing efforts, the second night of each stop featured a voter celebration. Musicians and comedians performed, providing entertainment and reinforcing the message that voting can be both powerful and enjoyable. These events helped bring the community together and promote active participation in the electoral process.
The Snag Dat Vote Tour focused on building a culture of civic engagement within Native communities. Western Native Voice remains committed to empowering Native people to take an active role in shaping their future through voting, ensuring that every Native voice is heard in the 2024 election.
Western Native Voice and Montana Conservation Voters present: SNAG DAT VOTE TOUR – October 11, 2024, in Great Falls, MT 
Join us for an evening of community engagement, voter outreach, and spectacular entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls! 
Thursday, 10.11.2024 | 6 PM onwards
Heritage Hall, Great Falls College, Great Falls, MT
Event Highlights:
Community Gathering & Meal: Start the evening with a delicious meal and learn about the importance of voting, how to register, and how you can make your voice heard.
Host & MC: Chris LaTray
Headline Singer: Armond Duck Chief
Ballot Drop Off: Conveniently drop off your ballot at our event.
Let’s come together for the community, enjoy the entertainment, and Snag Dat Vote!
Join us for an exciting night of community engagement, voter outreach, and entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Tuesday, 09.17.2024 | 7 PM
Blackfeet Elementary, Browning, MT
18 & Over Only | Voter Celebration Show
Come together in the evening for a Voter Celebration with live music from Shadow Devereaux, Nataanii Means, and Jack Gladstone, plus a hilarious comedy show featuring Mylo Smith and Jim Rue!
Come for the community, stay for the fun, and Snag Dat Vote!
Billings, MT — Western Native Voice is hosting a two-day clothing giveaway at South Park on July 26 and North Park on July 27, engaging the community and emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 election. The event aims to provide essential clothing items to those in need while fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
A field organizer for Western Native Voice addressed attendees, emphasizing the critical role of voting. “Our mission is to empower Native Americans through community engagement and advocacy,” they said. “Events like these bring us together, reminding us of our shared responsibilities and the power of our collective voice.”
This clothing giveaway aligns with Western Native Voice’s broader mission, which includes four key programs: Education, Civic Engagement, Leadership Development, and Public Advocacy. Each program aims to strengthen the political influence and social fabric of Native communities in Montana.
Education
The clothing giveaway directly supports Western Native Voice’s Education program by creating opportunities for informal education about voting and civic participation. As attendees receive clothing, they are also provided with information about the upcoming 2024 election and the importance of voting. Field organizers are on-site to help register new voters and answer questions, ensuring that community members are informed and prepared to participate in the electoral process. According to the National Congress of American Indians, only 66 percent of eligible Native American voters are registered to vote, compared to 74 percent of the general population (National Congress of American Indians, 2023). This event aims to bridge that gap by increasing voter registration rates within the community.
Civic Engagement
By involving community members in the organization and execution of the clothing giveaway, Western Native Voice fosters civic engagement and encourages local involvement. Volunteers and organizers take on responsibilities that develop their abilities to lead and manage community-focused initiatives. This hands-on experience is vital for cultivating future leaders who can advocate for their communities and drive positive change. The event also provides a mentoring environment where experienced leaders can guide and support emerging ones.
Leadership Development
The clothing giveaway serves as a practical demonstration of the needs within the community, highlighting issues such as poverty and access to essential resources. By addressing these needs directly, Western Native Voice can better advocate for policy changes that support the well-being of Native American communities. The event provides a platform to discuss broader policy issues with attendees, gather their input, and mobilize collective efforts to push for systemic changes at local and state levels. This grassroots engagement is crucial for informing the organization’s advocacy efforts and ensuring they reflect the community’s priorities.
Public Advocacy
Events like the clothing giveaway are central to Western Native Voice’s Public Advocacy program. They bring people together, foster a sense of solidarity, and build a stronger, more united community. By addressing immediate needs and creating opportunities for civic engagement, these events help to empower individuals and encourage collective action. The giveaway also serves as a networking opportunity, connecting community members with each other and with resources that can support their ongoing involvement in local issues. This strengthens the overall social fabric and ensures that the community is prepared to mobilize around important causes.
A Western Native Voice staffer highlighted the significance of such community events. “Providing essential items like clothing helps address immediate needs while also creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about civic engagement. It reinforces our commitment to the community and our mission to foster an environment where every voice matters.”
Western Native Voice’s Billings Field Team has set an ambitious goal of registering 3,000 people in Billings ahead of the 2024 election and has been actively engaging with the community through various events across the city. As the 2024 election approaches, Western Native Voice is ramping up efforts to ensure that every eligible voter is registered and ready to cast their ballot. The clothing giveaway serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of every vote.
Long-Term Goals for Community Engagement and Voter Participation
Western Native Voice’s long-term goals include achieving consistently high voter turnout among Native Americans and ensuring their voices are heard in every election. The organization plans to expand civic education programs, strengthen leadership development, enhance policy advocacy, foster sustainable community organizing, and increase voter registration and turnout.
“Our vision is to create a future where Native American communities are not only participating in elections but are also leading the way in shaping policies that affect their lives,” said a Western Native Voice staffer.
Free Lunch This Friday, July 12, at South Park in Billings!
Come join Western Native Voice’s field team this Friday at South Park in Billings for a delicious free lunch featuring Indian tacos!
When: July 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Where: South Park, Billings
Come enjoy a tasty meal, connect with our community, and learn more about Western Native Voice and our initiatives. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends, share stories, and discover how you can get involved!
Don’t miss out on this chance for great food and even better company. See you there!