Welcome to the August Edition!
This months edition you’ll find the latest news, upcoming events, important updates, and highlights from our community involvement. We’ve gathered everything you need to stay informed, celebrate recent achievements and see what’s coming up next!
Small Gatherings for big change!
Building lasting relationships with community members is at the heart of our organizing work. In addition to ongoing one on one conversations, NDNV has helped organize community house parties hosted by local members of our native communities in North Dakota.
We hold these house parties in comfortable spaces offered by community members such as community centers or the homes of those supporters; providing a welcoming, safe and familiar space for open- ended conversations and perspective sharing amongst one another.
Connecting through discussions that revolve around local issues, identifying common challenges within that community, and brainstorming possible solutions together. These conversations lay the ground work for building trust, future voter education opportunities, and continued conversation on how we can build power within our native peoples and communities.
Next stop
Our next stop will be in Spirit Lake, ND August 7th, Fort Yates, ND August 10th and the Three Affiliated Tribes New Town, ND August 21st.
Legislative Action alert
Legislative Update: H.R. 7008 and Native Voting Access
This month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, legislation that will now move to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
While H.R. 7008 is primarily known as the Stop Insider Trading Act, the version passed by the House also includes voter identification provisions that would establish new federal identification requirements for voting in federal elections.
What does this mean?
The bill would require photo ID for federal elections and add new identity verification requirements for many absentee and mail voters. While Tribal IDs are accepted if they meet the bill’s requirements, North Dakota Native Vote is concerned some Native voters could face new barriers on top of already existing challenges. We believe new voting requirements should not create additional obstacles for eligible voters.
Pre-existing challenges Native country endures are:
- Long distance to polling locations
- Limited transportation options
- Unreliable mail service
- Difficulty obtaining or replacing identification due to travel, cost, or limited office availability
Although the legislation is intended to strengthen election security, NDNV believes any changes to voting laws should also account for the realities faced by Tribal communities. Additional requirements, even if well-intended, could create new obstacles for eligible Native voters who are already navigating existing barriers.
Whats Next?
The bill will now be considered by the U.S. Senate. Senators may choose to pass the bill as written, amend it, or reject it. North Dakota Native Vote will continue monitoring the legislation, educating our communities about any proposed changes, and advocating for policies that protect Native voting access.
Questions or want to take action?
If you would like to express your opposition or support to H.R. 7008, North Dakota Native Vote staff can also help you identify your elected officials and provide guidance on how to contact them. Whether by phone, email, or letter. Communicating directly with your representatives is one of the most effective ways to ensure your voice is heard throughout the legislative process
Interested in connecting with us? Schedule a one-on-one conversation with one of the NDNV team members or get involved in our work by clicking the link below!
Hot off the calendar!
North Dakota Native Vote will be on the road and out in the community this month, and we want to hear from you. Your input as community members helps us bring awareness and voter education to people of all ages by highlighting the priorities that matter the most in your area.
Below is our August Calendar; come find us at an event or reach out and we’ll meet you where you are.
With Gratitude
Everything we do at North Dakota Native Vote is made possible because of the support and engagement of community members like you. Whether you are staying informed on these policy shifts or preparing for the upcoming elections, you are the heart of this movement.
Thank you for being part of our community and standing with us as we work toward a more representative future for all Tribal Nations.