Reasons To Vote: In Indian Country
| Excuse: | Response: |
| “I don’t want to be on jury duty” | Most states no longer use voter registration to select jury pools, they more often use Drivers License.We need more Indian people to serve on juries. Many Natives being prosecuted have no Indians on their jury. |
| “Doesn’t do any good” | It’s important to vote and have your voice heard, collectively we can make change happen but we have to start with you and people like you from our/your community. |
| “No transportation” | Vote absentee or we’ll make arrangements or give you a ride to your polling place. |
| “I don’t believe in voting in local, state, federal elections” | The decisions made at all levels of government affect Indian people—we need to vote to ensure that our issues will be heard. |
| “Too complicated,” “I don’t know how” | Set up a mock voting booth and walk them through it (sample ballots, process, etc.). You can take someone with you to the polls to help you vote. |
| “I don’t know who they [candidates] are” | Would you like some information? (provide info for candidate, info on race, local issues) |
| “My vote won’t count anyway” | Give explanation of Indian vote and importance of it. Give examples of where Native vote has counted and made the difference in the outcome. (WA, SD, MT, AK or the election in 2000 in Florida).Give examples of close tribal council elections. |
| “Too busy to vote” | Voting is not to time consuming and most employer’s give you time off to go and vote. |
| “I’m a felon” | Do you know your status? States vary on laws governing felons and voting. Often, a felon serves out a conviction and all rights are restored. Let me check for you and will get back to you. |
| “I don’t know the issues” | You can go to our website at www.nativevote.org or your state mails out voter candidacy guides to every registered voter. Are you registered to vote? |
| “I’m not political” | You don’t have to be political to vote. It’s your right and privilege to vote. |
| “I don’t like politics” | Why? Rebuttle |
| “I don’t have a permanent address” | You can use the address where you are currently residing. |
| “Don’t want to waste my time” | Why do you think it is a waste of time? Here are some reasons why I do not think voting is a waste of time. First, decisions are made daily that affect us in Indian country and if we do not participate, no one will ever listen to our issues. Second, “they” tried to keep us from voting for hundreds of years, many Indian people fought for our right to vote, we should take advantage of that. |
| “I can’t get time off” | Most employers give at least an hour off to vote. Our Tribe allows “give amount of time” off for voting. U.S. government allows at least two hours off. |
| “Can’t get babysitting” | Bring your kids to the polls! It’s never too early to begin to teach young people about voting. I will come with you. |
| “I’m in college/boarding school/military and missed deadline for absentee ballot” | Some states allow you to vote at the elections office up until election. You can also vote on Election day. |
| “Wasn’t reminded” | We will call and remind you about dates |
| “It’s not cool, it’s for old people” | It’s for everyone and in the past election, young people voted in record numbers. It’s cool to make a difference.We have many young athletes, actors, rappers, hip hop stars that are voting and being spokespeople in their communities about the importance of voting. |
| “I don’t know if I’m eligible |
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| “I can’t read or hear” |
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| “I’m disabled” | Can vote by absentee ballot or we can provide assistance.Get together to do registration/absentee voting. |
| “No one wants to help me” | That’s what I am here to do! You can vote by absentee ballot. If I don’t have the answers or resources you need I will find them for you. |
| “I don’t trust machines” | Encourage them to vote absentee. Check state voting guidelines (state voter guide), for example, in Idaho, you can choose paper, etc. |
| “Voting is for white people” | That is what they want you to think so you are not represented. Voting is for everyone, that is the only way your issues are heard. Do you want white people to decide your future and rights? |
| “The decision has already been made” [Decision has been made by voters in the east] | Your vote still counts! (Where it matters most locally)The media is NOT always a reliable or honest source, don’t go by what you hear—get to the polls and make sure you did your part! |
| “I don’t know where to vote” | Call county elections office/clerk and give address. They will tell you where you are to vote. Call Secretary of States office or go with a friend. |