Voter ID laws hurt Native Americans, advocates say
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A national tribal advocacy group has identified nearly a dozen states where it says new voter identification laws could negatively affect voter participation in Native American communities.
The National Congress of American Indians released a report Monday that highlights the states, including those where photo identification will be required at the polls on Election Day.
The report says two of its focus states — Alaska and Florida — do not list tribal ID cards as acceptable forms of identification. And it says problems with other new voter ID laws include requirements that voters provide a home address, since some tribal communities have no street addresses.
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NCAI President Jefferson Keel says there are races around the country that could hinge on the Native vote, and he wants to ensure no one is disenfranchised by the new laws. He discussed the report from the group's annual convention being held in Sacramento, Calif.
In a press release, Keel said: "We will not be deterred - Indian Country is focused on turning out the largest Native vote in history this year - and this report helps us focus our protection and education efforts. Voter ID laws and photo ID laws are a major concern and we are working to make sure Native voters have the information they need to make their voice heard."