A Journey Through the History
of the Native Vote in Arizona

Explore the rich history of the Native vote in Arizona with our detailed timeline. From the early struggles for recognition to landmark legal victories and ongoing advocacy, this timeline highlights the key moments that have shaped voting rights for Native Americans in our state. Understanding this history is crucial in appreciating the progress and challenges faced by our community. Click the button below to view the past Chairmen of the San Carlos Tribe and learn more about their contributions to our journey.

Timeline: The History of the Native Vote in Arizona

Early 20th Century

  • 1924: The Indian Citizenship Act grants U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans, but Arizona does not recognize their voting rights.
  • 1928: Peter Porter and Rudolph Johnson from the Gila Indian Community attempt to register to vote but are rejected in Pinal County. After a petition demanding their names be added to the voting register, the Arizona Supreme Court rules in Porter vs. Hall that Indians are “persons under guardianship” and not entitled to vote.

Mid 20th Century

  • 1948: In the landmark case Harrison v. Laveen, the Arizona Supreme Court rules that Native Americans have the right to vote in state and federal elections. This decision is a result of efforts by Frank Harrison and Harry Austin, members of the Mohave-Apache Tribe, who challenged the state’s discriminatory practices.
  • 1970s: Federal laws prohibit the use of literacy tests, expanding voting rights for Native Americans in Arizona who were previously disenfranchised due to such requirements.

Late 20th Century

  • 1965: The Voting Rights Act is passed, which includes provisions to protect the voting rights of Native Americans and other minorities.
  • 1970s-1980s: Continued efforts by Native American communities and advocacy groups work towards improving voter registration and turnout among Native populations in Arizona.

Early 21st Century

  • 2002: The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is enacted, aiming to improve voter access and election administration, including for Native American voters.
  • 2004: Arizona passes Proposition 200, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. This law is challenged by Native American groups and other civil rights organizations as it disproportionately affects minority voters.

Recent Developments

  • 2013: The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder removes key protections of the Voting Rights Act, leading to concerns about increased barriers to voting for Native Americans in Arizona.
  • 2016: The National Congress of American Indians and other organizations file lawsuits against Arizona’s restrictive voting laws, advocating for better access and protection of Native voting rights.
  • 2020: Despite challenges, Native American voters play a crucial role in the presidential election, with increased voter turnout and participation due to extensive grassroots mobilization efforts.
  • 2021-Present: Ongoing advocacy and legal battles continue to address voter suppression and ensure that Native Americans in Arizona have equal access to the ballot. Legislative efforts and community initiatives focus on improving voting access, including the expansion of early voting, vote-by-mail options, and the establishment of more polling places in tribal areas.