Why American Indians Should Vote

The decisions made at all levels of government affect Indian people—we need to vote to ensure that our issues will be heard. Collectively we can make change happen.
  1. Honor
    Honor your right to vote. Indians in Arizona fought to have their right to vote recognized. American Indians became citizens of the United States in 1924, but were not granted suffrage until 1948. Click the arrow on the image below to watch “The History of American Indian Voting in Arizona”.
  2. Trust
    The Federal government has what is termed a trust obligation to provide funding and services to Tribes. Too often, this trust has been broken. By taking political action and casting votes, we continue the struggle to make sure the Federal government fulfills its trust obligation to American Indians.
  3. Disparity/Access
    Tribes in Arizona experience some of the greatest needs for jobs, housing, health care, education, and other human services. If Indian citizens do not vote then it is significantly more difficult to address these issues. If Indian citizens will not vote, then the struggles of our elders and past generations to address these issues can be lost and their sacrifices made meaningless.
  4. Change
    Indians across the United States have shown that change is possible through their votes and political action. There are more Indians in Arizona than almost any other state. Let us make sure politicians know that we are here and we vote.