Recently in Nevada, Native American voters made history by casting their ballots through the state’s online absentee voting system. Although early voting is still a few weeks away, the first votes for the 2024 election cycle have already started coming in through the digital absentee voting system.
Two Native American voters living on a reservation or colony submitted their ballots through the online platform, marking a significant milestone in the state’s electoral process. The initiative was launched at the Walker River Paiute Tribe’s Pinenut Festival, with the aim of increasing voter turnout among Nevada’s Native American communities.
Historically, members of Nevada’s 28 Indigenous nations, bands, and colonies have faced various challenges when it comes to voting, including long distances to polling locations, limited voter registration opportunities, and unreliable mail services. Recognizing these barriers, Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar emphasized the importance of working with tribes to improve access to voting.
To facilitate the voting process, the office introduced a tribal outreach coordinator, Cal Boone, who provided guidance on using the secure digital system called Nevada’s Effective Absentee System for Elections (EASE). This system allows voters to register, receive, and cast their ballots online, offering a convenient alternative to traditional voting methods.
While internet access is required to use EASE, tribal voters who can connect to their tribal administration’s Wi-Fi or have access to cell service can utilize the platform. The initiative aims to overcome historical obstacles and expand voting options for tribal members, ultimately increasing their participation in the election.
The introduction of EASE to Native American voters is a recent development, following a law passed in 2023 that allowed tribal citizens living on reservations or colonies to use the system. Despite being a new option, experts anticipate that awareness and adoption of the program will continue to grow among Nevada’s Native American population.
In addition to expanding voting options, efforts to mobilize the Native vote in Nevada have seen positive results in recent years. Turnout rates have increased, with some experts reporting a 25 percent rise in participation from the 2016 election. This progress is attributed to advocacy efforts, legal action, and legislative changes aimed at improving voter access for Native communities.
Looking ahead to the upcoming general election, Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar highlighted the collaboration with tribes to establish Election Day locations, early vote locations, and ballot drop boxes on tribal land. The office is also encouraging tribal citizens to serve as poll workers on their reservations and colonies, further engaging Native American communities in the electoral process.
As Nevada continues to prioritize voter access and participation, initiatives like the online absentee voting system are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy. Through ongoing outreach and collaboration, the state aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election and beyond.
