WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – As the 2024 election approaches, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren encourages every Diné citizen to get involved to shape their future by voting.
In collaboration with the group When Natives Vote, the President has joined a public service campaign to urge Native Americans and Alaska Natives to register to vote on Nov. 5, Election Day.
Currently, the Navajo Election Office reports 133,872 Navajos are registered to vote. The more that register, the greater the Navajo influence to determine who represents them in the U.S. House, Senate, White House and throughout the counties on the Navajo Nation.
Another important part of this year’s election are the many propositions that directly affect individual lives.
“Every vote strengthens our Nation,” President Nygren said. “You hold the power to shape this moment.”
Key registration deadlines are approaching. In Arizona, a critical swing state, voters have until Oct. 7 to register online, by mail or in person.
In New Mexico, registration closes on Oct. 8.
Utah voters have until Oct. 25 to register by mail or online, and they may also register in person on Election Day.
For the Navajo Nation’s 2024 General Election, Diné citizens must register or update their registration by Sept. 26. Absentee ballots will be available beginning Oct. 7.
Nonpartisan groups like When Natives Vote, Rural Utah Project and Wingbeat 88 are mobilizing efforts to increase voter turnout across the Navajo Nation.
Tara Benally, community organizer with the Rural Utah Project, says the importance of reclaiming decision-making power is through voting.
“We need to get that decision-making back,” Benally said. “If that happens through elections, let’s encourage our people to take part in this process.”
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