“If Indian citizens cannot participate in the state electoral processes—if they cannot vote—then the principles of democracy are seriously weakened. If Indian citizens cannot or will not vote, then the achievements of Harry Austin and Frank Harrison can be lost and their sacrifices made meaningless.”
President Clinton Pattea, Fort Mcdowell, Yavapai Nation
(excerpt from History of Indian Voting in Arizona)
“Your Vote – Our Future” is a statewide resource to encourage voter turnout among American Indians and Alaska Natives in Arizona. Organized by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., “Your Vote – Our Future” has been supported by the Tribes in Arizona since 2006. We encourage all Tribes in Arizona to designate a point of contact staff to help coordinate Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) efforts in their community and to access updates and additional resources during each election year.
Contests
‘Honoring Our Past’ Arizona Native Vote Youth Video Contest
The ‘Honoring Our Past’ Arizona Native Vote Youth Video Contest aims to acknowledge the importance of the Native Vote by connecting American Indian youth and their elders. American Indian youth in Arizona will interview an elder in their life about their experience(s) voting in non-tribal elections in Arizona as an American Indian voter. They will then create a video to share what they learned from their elders and why their civic involvement as an American Indian youth in Arizona is important.
The winning video is subject to be shared on the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. social media accounts and will be shown at the 2024 Native Right to Vote Anniversary Event taking place on Friday, July 12, 2024. By entering this video contest, you agree to the use of your video content to be published by ITCA for educational purposes.
2024 Arizona Native American Right to Vote Youth Design Contest
The Arizona Native American Right to Vote Youth Design Contest aims to acknowledge American Indian history and motivate young Natives in Arizona to participate in civic processes, including voting in local, state, and federal elections. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, and the 76th Anniversary of the Native right to vote in Arizona, the contest seeks American Indian youth in Arizona between the ages of 18 and 25 years old to submit a design that represents resilience, triumph, and Tribal sovereignty.
The winning design will be used as the official branding for the 2024 Native Right to Vote Anniversary Event on Friday, July 12, 2024, and printed on t-shirts, water bottles, stickers, and more!
2024 Frank Harrison and Harry Austin Voting Rights Essay Contest
On July 15, 1948, a court decision by the Arizona Supreme Court recognized the American Indian right to vote, due to the commitment of Frank Harrison and Harry Austin of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The decision overturned a previous ruling that denied the Native right to vote twenty years prior, when Gila River Indian Community members, Peter Porter and Rudolph Johnson attempted to register to vote. Today, we honor their achievements by participating in local, state, and federal elections. The Frank Harrison and Harry Austin Voting Rights Essay Contest awards Native American youth who participate in non-tribal elections and are involved in efforts that serve to protect their right to vote. Mr. Harrison, Mr. Austin, Mr. Porter and Mr. Johnson, understood that their votes can influence the decisions made in their communities and impact the well-being of their family and friends.
A vote begins the process of civic action, the results of these actions determine the future of our communities. As citizens, we should follow our vote to ensure local and federal officials are acting on the issues that are most important to us. Please answer the nonpartisan prompts listed below to show how you plan to honor the legacy of Frank Harrison and Harry Austin by remaining civically engaged in your community during this election year and beyond Election Day.
Media Toolkit
Click Here to Access Google Docs
Materials
If you want more information about getting out the vote in your tribal community, please contact the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. at (602) 258-4822.
DEADLINES FOR 2024 ELECTIONS
- State Primary Election — July 30
- Voter Registration Deadline — July 1
- Early Voting Begins — July 3
- Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline — July 19
- State General Election — November 5
- Voter Registration Deadline — October 7
- Early Voting Begins — October 9
- Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline — October 25