DID YOU KNOW….it wasn’t until 1970 that Native Americans were ensured the ability to vote across the nation?!?!?! That is absolutely CRAZY!!!
“Most people think that American Indians and Alaska Natives were given the right to vote in 1924 when President Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act. However, it was not until 1970, when the Voting Rights Act was passed, that major restrictions facing American Indians and Alaska Natives voters were removed in every state” (source: nativevote.org).
It is our duty as Oneida citizens to utilize our dual citizenship and participate in the electoral process. November 8th is a big election for state and federal elections and we need to Get Out the Vote!
It is a fact that local, state, and federal elections have an impact on our way of life. It is critical for you to vote for candidates who understand who we are and the issues we continually face. If we do not engage, election outcome complacency could have a negative impact on funding for our vital programs like; healthcare, language, education, social services and more.
The Oneida Nation has been working diligently to increase our voter turn-out numbers. By empowering ourselves with knowledge about the candidates we become informed voters who can vote in the best interest of our people and our Nation. Our vote is our voice. Don’t you want to be heard? This is our chance!
If we maximize the number of Oneida citizens who register and vote on Election Day, we do our part to help candidates get elected who will listen and respond to our concerns. With your vote, we can make a difference in the upcoming election.
To become an informed voter be sure to watch for the candidate section in the October issue of the Kalihwisaks.
Guest Blogger
Tana Aguirre
Intergovernmental Affairs and Communications
Office 920.869.4239
taguirre@oneidanation.org
PO Box 365
Oneida WI 54155
