Letters to the Editor

Letter: End Native disenfranchisement

In the fight for voting rights in the United States, Alaska Native communities have often been overlooked. Even as the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment granted all United States citizens the right to vote regardless of race, Native people did not enjoy that same right until the passing of the Snyder Act in 1924. And since then, we continue to face de facto barriers when it comes to voting.

But as a powerful constituency here in Alaska, our voices remain essential to a functioning representative democracy, and we will not allow our communities to go unheard.

Our country’s long history of voter disenfranchisement within the Alaska Native community needs to be addressed. A 2020 Report by Native American Voting Rights Coalition, found eleven significant barriers to voting for Native communities here in Alaska, like geographical isolation, poorly maintained or non-existent roads, limited hours of government offices, lack of funding for elections, and discrimination. And right now, we have a real opportunity to address these very real barriers to voting and to ensure that we are accessing the full potential of our democracy. But our elected leaders must first take action.

Importantly, the For the People Act would also ensure that Native voices are not drowned out by out-of-state dark money from undisclosed donors in places like California and New York. The bill would require political groups to disclose their largest donors and improve transparency in online ad spending, all while ensuring that those violating campaign finance laws are held accountable by the Federal Election Commission.

For too long, we have gone unheard. In order for our elected officials to demonstrate that they are truly committed to the project of American democracy, we request that they work to pass the For the People Act this Congress. Senator Murkowski has long been a champion of the Alaska Native people, and in pushing for passage of this legislation, she would go down in history as a true purveyor of democracy.

Kami Wright

Kenaitze Indian Tribal Member

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Kenai

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