Lowest Voter Turnout Among Native Americans Found in Recent Study

Brennan Center for Justice in New York conducted a study which revealed that the voting participation of Native Americans is at its lowest level in the United States. The research examined voter records in 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands where more than 20% of the population consists of Native Americans. According to data from 2012 to 2022, the study found that voter turnout in areas with a majority of Native Americans has significantly decreased, by 7% in midterm elections and 15% in presidential elections compared to other regions of the states. Researcher Chelsea Jones pointed out that many Native Americans live in areas without street names or house numbers, making it difficult for them to access mail-in ballots, further complicating the voting process for them. Jones also highlighted the lack of sufficient polling centers in Native American majority areas, coupled with transportation issues, creating significant barriers to voting for Native American voters. Some states also do not allow Native Americans to vote with their tribal IDs, contributing to a sense of distrust towards the system and potentially reducing voter turnout. Jones emphasized the data gaps concerning the voting issues faced by Native Americans, calling for action from authorities to address and rectify these challenges.