In this overlooked area of the Navajo Nation, which is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, the struggles of everyday life are evident. Approximately one-third of homes in the region still lack running water, while prevailing unemployment and poverty have compelled many young Navajos, including most of Ashley’s children, to leave their ancestral lands in pursuit of work. For the 420,000 Native citizens in Arizona, there have long been numerous logistical and legal challenges that make voting a difficult task.
“I think many lose faith in the government and find voting irrelevant. Promises go unfulfilled,” stated Ashley, 70, who intends to support Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Despite his discontent, voters like Ashley are pivotal in determining the outcomes in Arizona and other crucial battleground states this November. In the previous election cycle, Arizona shifted its allegiance for the first time in decades, with President Joe Biden securing victory by a mere 10,500 votes.
Native Americans represent about 5.2% of Arizona’s population and notably increased their voter turnout in 2020, predominantly backing Democratic candidates, according to data analyses. This surge in participation has drawn the attention of politicians from both sides of the aisle, prompting them to visit some of the state’s most remote areas in an effort to sway the electorate. Democrats aim to replicate their success while Republicans seek to leverage discontent with economic conditions to gain new support.
Campaign signs splashed with blue and red adorn local fairs and flea markets, proclaiming phrases like “Trump low prices” and using local dialects such as “Stoodis Harris” or “Let’s do this Harris.” In the background, radio advertisements for both presidential candidates resonate throughout homes, even in areas lacking reliable cellphone coverage. As the election date approaches, numerous residents express their exasperation with Washington politicians, who they believe rarely advocate for their needs.
Voting barriers remain formidable for many residents. Some tribes have to travel up to 285 miles just to cast their votes, as reported by the Native American Rights Fund. Additionally, many homes lack proper addresses for voter registration, and some older individuals within the community may not speak English fluently. The historical context of voter suppression adds to these challenges; Native Americans were first recognized as U.S. citizens a century ago, yet Arizona barred them from voting until 1948, labeling them as “incompetent.” Throughout the years, various tactics, such as English literacy tests, were implemented to further disenfranchise Indigenous voters until the late 20th century.
Legal experts point to a mixture of voter dilution strategies and complicated election regulations that continue to hinder Native voting efforts. As recently as 2022, the Republican-led state Legislature and governor introduced a law that mandated proof of residency for presidential voting, although the U.S. Supreme Court later annulled this requirement. Still, similar regulations have persisted, resulting in a disproportionate number of rejected ballots among Indigenous voters, according to research from Arizona State University’s Indian Legal Clinic.
Democrats have traditionally asserted their edge in votes on reservations like the Navajo Nation, boasting significant campaign efforts within these communities. In the final lead-up to the election, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Governor Tim Walz have all engaged with Native groups. However, the Republicans are ramping up their outreach among Indigenous voters with hopes of diverting support.
Halee Dobbins, the Arizona communications director for the Republican National Committee, mentioned that the party has opened a campaign headquarters within the Navajo Nation. They are also participating in local events to gain traction. “There is a notable shift towards the Republican Party, reflecting the primary concerns of Native American voters, particularly regarding the economy, inflation, and cost of living,” she indicated.
In a mid-October rally, Trump’s campaign showcased a group of Navajo supporters, featuring 61-year-old Francine Bradley-Arthur, who shifted her political allegiance from Democrat to Republican. She expressed her desire to demonstrate Native American support for Trump, emphasizing a sentiment that communities have yet to reap the benefits of longstanding Democratic ties.
Democratic Senate candidate Ruben Gallego took great strides by visiting a tribe in a secluded canyon as part of a tight electoral battle against Republican Kari Lake. Nevertheless, he faced skepticism from some tribal leaders, including Dinolene Caska of the Havasupai tribe. Caska stressed that she prioritizes candidates who genuinely advocate for Indigenous rights, and this year she leans toward Democrats due to their assistance in local environmental struggles involving uranium mining.
Meanwhile, some Navajo voters are exploring new political options. Richard Begay, a 68-year-old goat herder living near Ashley, pointed to rising inflation and insufficient job opportunities as reasons for his frustration with Biden. Assertion of higher gas and food prices since Biden’s presidency has led him to hope that Trump’s deregulatory agenda might foster economic development in their communities.
“Gas used to cost $1.60 here, but now with Biden, it has surpassed $3,” he lamented. “The high prices are putting us in a difficult spot; we simply cannot afford the skyrocketing costs.”