The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) joins the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) in celebrating Native Vote Week. The College Fund is partnering with tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) to encourage Native students and tribal members to register to vote. From funding student-led voter education events to sharing videos of Native students and educators explaining why voting matters, we’re doing our part to ensure Native voices are heard in tribal, local, state, federal elections.

Why is it so important for Native people to vote? All elections matter, especially for Native communities who historically have been underrepresented at the polls despite how legislation directly impacts their well-being.

Voting for leaders who understand and support Tribes could mean benefits such as the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, increased Pell Grant awards, or allocation of funds to acquire and maintain facilities for TCUs. Voting also allows Native peoples to elevate concerns around key issues including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples, environmental protections, and economic development.

Closer to home, voting in Tribal elections helps to choose leaders that are aware of these issues and passionate about collaborating with legislators to resolve them.

By teaching Native students about the importance of voting and making their voices heard, our goal is to encourage Native students to step up as the next generation of leaders and legislators to work for the good of their communities and the country as a whole.

You can learn more about Native Vote Week and access helpful resources on NARF’s website at www.narf.org. Learn how to register to vote in your state at https://collegefund.org/vote/register/