Native Politics: Voter data surges as rural barriers persist

Indigenous voters in rural and reservation communities face distinct hurdles in the upcoming midterm elections, while the number of Native candidates running for office has risen sharply. Data compiled by Indian Country Today shows a marked increase in political participation from Indigenous communities since 2016. This growth contrasts with a decline in voter registration among rural populations across the country.

The national database, initiated in 2016 by former ICT editor Mark Trahant, tracks Indigenous candidates during federal elections. Since 2018, the organization has continued this monitoring. The number of Indigenous candidates in the current cycle has increased by nearly 400 percent compared to the 2016 election. Jordan James Harvill of Advance Native Political Leadership offers analysis on these trends. Jessica Lopez Walker, a Winnebago candidate for the Iowa state legislature, discusses the value of representation in public office.

Registration rates tell a different story for many voters. Megan Gall of Blockwell Consulting reports that registration declined 59 percent between 2020 and 2024. The national average for that decline was 22 percent. Gall notes that the current system does not accommodate all residents easily. Many rural inhabitants lack standard mailing addresses, which complicates the registration process. Tristan Douville of the Tlingit And Haida Indian Tribes Of Alaska states that mail-in voting is critical in Alaska. In some remote villages, in-person voting locations are inaccessible.

Wisconsin Native Vote works to engage Indigenous voters statewide. The nonprofit group discussed civic engagement strategies with ICT and PBS Wisconsin correspondent Erica Ayisi. The discussion took place during a recent visit to the Bad River Reservation in the Wisconsin Northwoods. The group aims to uplift Indigenous voters in the lead up to the midterm elections.

The Oglala Lakota tribe has welcomed 50 buffalo to the Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation. The tribe views bison as relatives. A unique land lease allows Thunder Valley to heal the land and reintroduce the animals. Brandon Big Eagle, the Lakota Land Systems Director, stated that the project has taken years to finalize.

Peepeekis Cree content creator Desirae Desnomie posts scary stories from Indian Country on TikTok every fall. Her account, @desiraedesnomie, features her own narratives and stories from across the region. ICT’s Amelia Schafer spoke with Desnomie about the inspiration behind the series.

At the Black Hills Powwow, outgoing Miss He Sapa Win Tyler Star Come Out honored traditional women dancers. Krystal Two Bulls explained the significance of the recognition. Layne Knox, program manager for Healthy Start at the Great Plains Tribal Health Board, reached out to nursing mothers at the event to promote healthy children.