As the midterm elections in the United States approach, the struggles for the visibility of communities of color and Native Americans continue.
Communities of color and Native Americans in the United States have for years sought better representation on district maps, fighting alongside organizations in the redistricting process.
Jacqueline De Leon, an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund, told a news conference organized by Ethnic Media Services in which experts met to discuss the problems of representation in the midterm elections in the United States, the difficulties experienced by Native Americans to exercise their vote, as well as the importance of this community participating.
"The Native American vote has the power to move the elections this year," he said.
He also pointed out that restrictive laws are affecting the participation of this community, since the refusal of Native Americans to cast their vote is due to unfounded fear due to the speeches and misinformation that circulate.
"The hostility continues towards Native Americans when they vote," he stressed. "Across the country we have seen discrimination, with intent and purpose, toward Native American communities."
De Leon called on these communities to fight for their rights and participate in the country's midterm elections.
Derick Beetso, director of Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance at Arizona State Law School, pointed out that "the purpose of redistricting is to make sure every district counts" and noted the need to push down barriers that affect participation. of Native American communities.
He also stressed the importance of making the process more accessible for Native Americans to vote.
For her part, Nicole Donaghy, executive director of North Dakota Native Vote, said that "unfortunately we have many difficulties being represented in the districts" because the requirement of having a domicile affects the participation and registration of Native Americans living on reservations. .
"Our biggest challenges are making contact with voters in remote communities," he said.
According to Donaghy, there were 21 bills to change the voting dynamics, however only two were approved.
Similarly, he commented that intimidation towards Native American communities has become present. “We want to make sure that there is no intimidation in the polling places,” he said.
Finally, Nicole Borromeo, executive vice president and general counsel of the Alaska Native Federation, pointed out the complications that existed in the redistricting process in Alaska, however, she celebrated the achievement of a fair representation map and commented on the need to convene people to participate despite these.
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