Can tribes make a difference in political leadership this November?

On November 12, voters will choose new state and federal legislators. Can tribes make a difference this year? Experts say yes, if enough Native Americans come out to vote.

Although only eight of the thirty state legislative districts serve tribal lands, Indian voter participation can make the difference, say many tribal leaders. Urban Indians can also play a greater role in choosing legislators who understand and will serve tribal populations.

Just one vote can affect the outcome of an election. One of Arizona's most famous examples is the 1996 election of Richard Kyle. The District 6 representative won with a winning poker hand after the election resulted in a tie. It was later revealed that the wife of Kyle's opponent forgot to cast her vote that day.

September 12's primary election also saw some close votes. In District 1, Representative Barbara Blewster (R-Dewey) won the chance to run for a second legislative term by a mere six votes, while Senator Jack Jackson (D-Window Rock) overcame former Senator James Henderson Jr. by just 273 votes in heavily Navajo District 3.

And in this Presidential election year, pollsters predict that the 2000 election will be one of the closest in history, with Vice President Al Gore running against Texas Governor George W. Bush for the nationís highest office.

Term limits, funding options offer new opportunities for candidates

Many Arizona state legislators must leave office this year due to mandatory term limits, which creates opportunities for fresh ideas and new candidates. Also making candidacy for elective office attractive is the stateís Clean Elections program; to qualify, a candidate must gather 200 contributions of $5.00 each and agree to abide by strict fundraising conditions. In return, a Clean Elections candidate can obtain up to $30,000 in matching state election funding.

Tribes, organizations promote voter registration

In northern Arizona, tribal governments are spearheading efforts to register voters for national, state and local elections. The Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs sponsored a voter drive in Kykotsmovi in July, co-hosted by The Hopi Tribe. The Navajo Nation is also working hard to register voters.

On Saturday, September 23, the Inter-Tribal Council will host a convention for voters at the Domes Event Center in the Gila River Indian Community, south of Chandler. The event will feature U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, reports on issues important to Native Americans, and a state candidatesí forum.

Why should tribal members vote?

The Arizona Legislature controls the state's pursestrings through the legislative process of funding programs. Tribal governments and tribal members seeking state funding must work their way through the legislative process. By participating in elections, tribes can have a voice in state government.

Political consultants have identified a small group of voters known as supervoters. These people, mostly middle-class and white, vote in every election. Politicians check voting records for the names of people who vote regularly, and tailor their campaigns to appeal to them.

If more Native Americans come out to vote regularly, politicians will pay more attention to them, says former State Senator Alfredo Guiterrez, who now works as a lobbyist.

Guiterrez notes that people will "stay poor and uneducated unless [they] vote." And an article on "supervoters" in the Arizona Republic reports: "Until [more voters register and participate], the power continues in the hands of those who have always understood the game, get involved and vote."

This year's candidates

Voters will choose between the following candidates for Legislative seats this November:

District 1

Senate: Ken Bennett (R-Prescott) incumbent

Dawn Knight (D-Prescott)

House: (Voters will choose two Representatives)

Linda Binder (R-Lake Havasu City-incumbent

Barbara Blewster (R-Dewey) incumbent

Henry J. Camerot (D-Prescott)

District 2:

Senate:

Rita Johnson (D-Flagstaff)

Representative John Verkamp (R-Flagstaff)

House:

Josh Allen (D-Flagstaff)

Tom O'Halleran (R-Sedona)

Margaret Rough-Meier (R-Flagstaff)

James "Jim" Sedillo (D-Flagstaff)

District 3:

Senate:

Senator Jack Jackson (D-Window Rock) incumbent

No Republican opponent

House:

Representative Sylvia Laughter (D-Kayenta) incumbent

Caleb Roanhorse (R-Window Rock) write-in candidate

Albert Tom (D-Chambers)

To find more information on this year's general election, go to HYPERLINK http://www.sosaz.com www.sosaz.com , the Secretary of Stateís Web site.

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