Case Study: Comanche Nation Passes Historic Civic Engagement Resolution
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Building Civic Participation Through Tribal Leadership and Community Outreach
In 2026, the Comanche Nation took a historic step toward strengthening Native civic participation by adopting a resolution affirming civic engagement and committing to provide nonpartisan voter information and voter registration resources to Tribal citizens. The effort emerged from a growing concern about voter participation in Oklahoma and, specifically, in Comanche County. At the time, Comanche County recorded the lowest voter turnout rate in Oklahoma, while Oklahoma ranked last nationally in voter turnout. Because the headquarters of the Comanche Nation is located within Comanche County, Rock The Native Vote recognized an opportunity to partner with Tribal leadership to address barriers to civic participation and increase voter engagement among Tribal citizens. Identifying the Opportunity As a citizen of the Comanche Nation and Executive Director of Rock The Native Vote, Ginny Underwood began discussions with the Tribal Chairman and the Tribal Administration Office regarding voter turnout and civic participation within the county. Those conversations quickly evolved into collaborative discussions about how the Tribe could formally encourage nonpartisan civic engagement and improve access to election information for Tribal members. The proposed resolution called on the Comanche Nation to:
Community Engagement and Education Rock The Native Vote staff and volunteers attended community meetings throughout the process to discuss voter turnout data, answer questions, and explain why civic participation matters for Native communities. The outreach focused not only on voting itself, but on the broader connection between representation, sovereignty, and community voice. In April 2026, Rock The Native Vote presented the resolutions during the Comanche Nation General Council meeting before more than 400 Tribal citizens. The team shared information about Oklahoma’s voter turnout crisis, barriers Native voters often face, and the importance of increasing Native participation in all elections. During the General Council meeting, Rock The Native Vote also conducted direct voter engagement activities. Staff and volunteers successfully registered 19 new voters and collected more than 150 commit-to-vote cards from Tribal citizens pledging to participate in upcoming elections. These efforts demonstrated both the immediate community interest in civic participation and the effectiveness of in-person outreach within Tribal spaces. Tribal Vote and Outcome The civic engagement resolution advanced to the May Tribal election ballot, where Tribal members overwhelmingly approved the measure. The resolution officially established the Comanche Nation’s commitment to providing nonpartisan voter information and supporting civic participation among Tribal citizens. A second resolution focused on identification assistance for Tribal members seeking passport books, passport cards, and other citizenship documentation received a split vote and did not advance. However, the discussions surrounding that proposal highlighted the ongoing identification barriers many Native voters continue to face. Impact The passage of the civic engagement resolution represents more than a policy victory. It demonstrates the power of relationship-based organizing, Tribal partnership, and culturally grounded voter engagement. This effort showed that Native communities are eager for meaningful civic participation when trusted organizations, Tribal leadership, and community advocates work together. The Comanche Nation’s action also serves as a model for how Tribal governments can play an active role in promoting civic participation while remaining nonpartisan and community-focused. Looking Ahead Rock The Native Vote will continue working alongside Tribal nations, community leaders, and voters across Oklahoma to increase Native civic participation, improve voter access, and strengthen Indigenous representation in the democratic process. The work underway in Comanche Nation reflects a broader movement to ensure Native voices are heard, respected, and represented at every level of government. For more information about Rock The Native Vote, visit rockthenativevote.org. |
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