Trahant Reports

The first Native American women in Congress. The first Native woman elected as a lieutenant governor of a state. And, the Arizona state senate triples the number of Native women in that body. So much history. There will now be more Native Americans in public office -- across the board.

This year’s political commercials from Native candidates tell the voters that Native Americans are still here. And that Native American candidates bring something new to the larger national discourse.

Tribes are sending a consistent message: ‘We need you to vote.” And in many states it was not that long ago when tribal citizens were not allowed to vote. In Arizona, for example, before 1965 American Indians were blocked from voting under state law. Across the country we already know a few things about the 2018 midterm election: Turnout will be higher than normal and a lot of people are voting early.

What the heck, Alaska? Think about one week’s worth of news ending in the withdrawal from the race by a sitting governor with just 18 days before the election.

Why is it getting harder for Native Americans to vote? And what can be done about it? One solution is to turn to the treaties, and the right of tribes to send a delegate to the Congress.

On election night three national media organizations, FNX | First Nations Experience, Indian Country Today, and Native Voice One, are joining together to broadcast the first ever live national coverage of election night focusing on the 103 Native Americans who are running for Congress, governor, lieutenant governor, as well as state legislatures.

This is a record year for Native people running for office. There are more Native candidates -- and especially more women running -- than ever before. But what about the other races? Races where there are no Native American on the ballot, and where Native issues are rarely (if at all) explored. One state that has to be at the top of any such discussion is North Dakota.

Election Day is more like Election Month. And early voting started last week in Minnesota and South Dakota.

There is still time if you have not registered to vote. But in some states this week is the last chance for this election. #NativeVote18

Across the country, there are more Native Americans running for a variety of offices from Congress to state governors than at any point in history.

Arizona Senator John McCain leaves behind a rich and complicated legacy on Native American issues.