“Equal access to the ballot box is the biggest issue when it comes to voting rights. For the last decade, Four Directions has focused efforts on reducing obstacles to the ballot box, including fighting for equal access to in-person early voting locations. Now, because of COVID-19, mail ballot voting is more critical now than ever. On the Navajo Nation, we are testing how long it takes mail to travel to count election offices. We are finding, more often than not, the Native vote is disparately impacted. Every Native voter should be ensured equal access and that their vote will be counted. Our work involves training Natives to work in polling places and to organize their own communities, which are uniquely remote, underserved, and too often left to succeed or fail on their own. We work closely with tribal leaders, and, when we have to, we pursue litigation. As Chief Joseph said, ‘Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.'”
