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Photo by Patrick Carr

Pictured are members of NADNA. Back row L-R: Winona Reid, Connie Williams, Liam Yazzie-Reid, and Tanner Yazzie-Reid. Front row L-R: Jamescita Peshlakai, James Peshlakai, Christina Carr, Millicent Gray, and Joshua Lavar Butler.

Native American Right to Vote Day
First Americans were last to vote in Arizona

By Joshua Lavar Butler

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - The Native American Democrats of Northern Arizona (NADNA) celebrated the Native American Right to Vote Day on Saturday - July 14 with a morning honor prayer by James Peshlakai, a 2-mile honor walk at Buffalo Park, and an open-house at the Coconino County Democratic Party (CCDEM) headquarters in Flagstaff.

It's been nearly 60-years since Native Americans gained the right to vote here in the United States (U.S). On June 26, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano signed a proclamation to establish July 15 as the Native American Right to Vote Day. It was on this day in 1948 that the Arizona Supreme Court overruled a 20-year precedent and extended voting rights to all Native Americans in Arizona.

Peter Porter of the Gila River Indian Community, Frank Harrison and Harry Austin of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation were three key individuals that made it possible for Native Americans to vote in Arizona. "These individuals had the courage to fight and bring justice to Arizona natives," said Arista La Russo, Democratic Party Tribal Outreach Director. "We need to encourage our Native people to register to vote and to be part of the political process."
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