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Voter Registration and
Get-Out-the-Vote Initiatives
Before and during elections, we work to increase the number of
registered voters nationwide and encourage voter turnout.
Leonard expresses his views on Indigenous voting power in this 1988
audio recording.)
In general, First Nations have
increased their participation in electoral politics
since 1988, as well as the conduct of lobbying
activities and pursuit of legal remedies. In recent
years, the Native
Caucus meeting during the Democratic Party's National
Conventions; increased activity of broad-based
organizations and coalitions, including the National
Congress of American Indians and the Native American
Rights Fund; and the Indian Trust suit against the U.S.
Department of the Interior are just a few examples of
increased activism on Native Americans’ part. Now as
never before, Native American voters are determined that
their voices be heard.
There are Indigenous
issues too varied and numerous to discuss here, but all
Indigenous Peoples have certain concerns in common. We
urge all voters to actively support candidates who respect
the sovereignty of First Nations, for example.
Otherwise, we encourage voters to base their choice of
elected officials on the Native and other issues of
most importance in their geographic regions.
But please also
remember the promise—Freedom and Justice For ALL!
Assaults on our freedoms and denials of justice affect all Americans.
Leonard Peltier’s wrongful
conviction and illegal
imprisonment symbolizes:
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continuing oppression of
the First Nations and those who speak out for social
justice;
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official misconduct that not only adversely
affects Peltier, but puts all Americans at risk; and
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a violation of the
democratic principles on which our country was
founded.
As the
2012 election approaches, we ask non-Indigenous and Indigenous people to vote
unanimously for freedom, combine to form powerful
voting blocs, and walk together in support of human
rights and civil liberties. Make it be in
the candidates’ best interests to address Indigenous
issues, in general, and Peltier’s case,
in particular. Make your vote count as never before.
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