Can I show you one of my favorite necklaces?
This design represents so much for me.
I had this necklace made after being inspired by Michelle Obama’s “VOTE” necklace she wore to the 2020 Convention. As soon as I saw it, I said I need a Native one. So I went to a co-op of Native American artists here in Albuquerque called Turquoise Skies. They found a Pueblo artist, and this is one of their designs.
This design means a lot to me. Representing the Native vote is why I became an organizer in the first place. I started organizing in 2004, and I rolled up my sleeves to organize for Democrats across Indian country. I would lace up my sneakers, drive out to Native American communities in New Mexico, and go door to door. At that time, I never dreamed I’d be elected to lead our state party, serve in Congress, or be a Cabinet Secretary. But witnessing the power of grassroots organizing proved that defying the odds is possible if we work together.
Voting is one of the ways we’ll overcome this undeniably difficult moment in our nation’s history – and we’re already seeing an astounding wave of momentum. In spite of billionaire Elon Musk pouring millions into the race, Judge Susan Crawford won her seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. And in a recent special election in Florida, Democrats flipped a county blue that Trump had won by 19 points.
To win our campaign for New Mexico, we must get out the vote. But spreading our message to all New Mexicans through community organizing, advertising on TV and online, and even sending emails like this one can be costly work. So I must ask:
Be fierce,
Deb
P.S. Most people don’t know that it wasn’t until the 1960s that the last state granted Native Americans the right to vote in state elections. My ancestors couldn’t vote, which is why I believe we owe it to them to make our voices heard at the ballot box. Getting out the vote in every corner of New Mexico will be expensive but critical work, so if you can chip in $5 to our campaign, I’d be so grateful.
