Arizona has some of the most confusing and strictest voter ID laws in the country. Every Arizona voter is required to present either photo identification or two forms of non-photo identification at the polls.
But in a state with more than 200,000 Indigenous eligible voters, some tribal IDs are not sufficient and require a second form of ID — causing confusion, depressing turnout, and stopping some Native American voters from making their voices heard.
As Arizona Voter ID Coalition Coordinator, my role is to help folks make sense of our state’s complicated ID law and to get the ID or any underlying documents they need in order to vote. I work closely with Native American communities across the state to deliver information and free, one-on-one help so that anyone who wants to vote, can. Earlier this year, I was honored to join other voting rights organizations on a trip to Navajo Nation to talk about how tribal communities can ensure they are engaged and empowered voters in every election.
It’s critical to the health of our democracy that every eligible Native American voter can cast a ballot that counts. This Native American Heritage Month, be sure to do an ID check, and let us know if you need any information or help getting your ID.
Sincerely,
Danielle Duarte
Arizona Voter ID Coalition Coordinator
VoteRiders
