Sidelined by Politicians and Expecting Little Benefit From Elections, Native American Voters Ignored Again

Democracy, elections, and voting at Democracy Chronicles

It should go without saying that Native Americans are ignored by media and politicians alike.  The tragedy that has suffered the Native Americans for so long is still being applied today. According to many measures, poverty and neglect still define Native American life for many individuals, especially on reservations.

Thankfully, recently there was some reporting on the Native American relationship with the upcoming elections and, as you might expect, there is no sign of any candidate mentioning the issue.

There was recently an article on KVNO News called “VOTER VOICES: Native American voters share concerns” by Bill Kelly, NET News.  Take a look at an excerpt:

“Even with all the election year polls and surveys available, it’s almost impossible to find research about what issues are of concern to Native American people. As part of the NET News “Voter Voices” project, Bill Kelly recently sat down with representatives of Nebraska’s tribes to hear what they’d like candidates to address this year…”

“…It’s not easy to convince people at the Winnebago Tribe Powwow to talk about politics and the upcoming election. It’s not only talking over the steady, infectious rhythm of the drum groups performing in the dance circle. There’s often a sense that Native people get left off the radar of the people campaigning for office. In fact, if there’s something everyone agrees on, regardless of political philosophy, it’s that candidates need to make a swing through the reservation more often.”

I found a cool map of existing reservations in the U.S. and added it below but keep reading as well. According to the US Census Bureau, “The American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States wall maps show American Indian and Alaska Native Areas reported or delineated for the specified Census. They also contain population related graphics.”

Enjoy: