From the New York Times:

Navajo voters have never had much of a say in how their modern government was shaped. But that may soon change, after a tribal judge cleared the way for a special election on a restructuring that could alter the balance of power on the sprawling reservation.

The government structure was forced upon Navajo voters 86 years ago and was reorganized under three branches without their consent.

Maybe Navajos “will have a greater sense of ownership in the government than they now have,” said Dale Mason, who teaches Navajo government at the University of New Mexico, Gallup.

Inside USA - The Native American voting block - 01 Mar 2008 (via AlJazeeraEnglish)

This week Inside USA travels across America to speak to the Lakota Sioux, the Western Shoshone, and the Navajo. 

The Native American voting block in swing states like Arizona and New Mexico can be crucial. 

But what happens when Native Americans want to opt out of the US altogether?

Ask John Beaucage, Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians, which party First Nations people tend to support, and he says, “It’s dangerous to start talking about stereotypical behavior.” One of his biggest concerns is that people in First Nations communities are not voting at all.

We are encouraging all sectors of our communities to speak out, not only by using their voices in this campaign, but by using their vote. We especially want our youth and elders to be vocal throughout the campaign and use the power of their votes strategically.

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage of the Anishinabek Nation, who developed the First Peoples Vote initiative.

NativeBiz is pleased to announce the launch of the Native Vote ‘08 Action Center.

Located on the web at www.nativebiz.com/vote the center serves as an online resource for those wanting to share a ‘native’ perspective on the upcoming presidential election, voice concerns, ask questions and more.

Users may Submit stories, editorials, opinions and comments. Upload, Share and View photos and videos.Participate in a webchat or other group activities. Rate other member’s posts and stay up to date with the latest election news from throughout Indian country.