About Rock the Native Vote
Rock The Native Vote is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005. Our mission is to raise voter awareness, register Native American voters in Oklahoma, and educate Indigenous communities about the election process and key issues impacting Native voters.
We are proud partners in the Democracy Is Indigenous Initiative, funded by the National Urban Indian Family Coalition and its collaborators. This project focuses on increasing voter registration and engagement among urban Native populations nationwide.
THE PROBLEM: NATIVE VOTERS IN OKLAHOMA ARE OVERLOOKED AND APATHETIC
Oklahoma had the lowest voter turnout rate in the country in 2024, with participation dropping below the levels seen in the past two presidential elections.
Among the 9.6 million Native Americans in the U.S., over 78% live off-reservation in urban areas, often without a unified national voice. Many fall outside the service boundaries of their Tribal nations, leaving them largely invisible in policy discussions and disconnected from key decision-making processes.
In recent years, tensions between state officials and Tribal governments have escalated over critical issues such as the McGirt ruling, the Indian Child Welfare Act, gaming compacts, and taxation. Combined with historic trauma and systemic barriers, these challenges have contributed to voter apathy among Native communities.
Further compounding the issue, the Oklahoma Election Board purged over 500,000 names from the voter registration list in 2024, disproportionately impacting historically marginalized voters and further suppressing Native voter participation.
OUR SOLUTION: ENGAGE NATIVE VOTERS ON THEIR OWN TERMS
In response to low voter turnout and recent voter purges, we work to register Native voters and provide voter education on critical election deadlines and procedures.
Recognizing the impact of historic trauma and political tensions, we engage Native communities through culturally relevant outreach, community discussions, and advocacy on issues directly affecting Indigenous lives.
By amplifying Indigenous voices and removing barriers to participation, we strive to ensure that Native American voters in Oklahoma are heard, empowered, and represented at every level of government.
We are proud partners in the Democracy Is Indigenous Initiative, funded by the National Urban Indian Family Coalition and its collaborators. This project focuses on increasing voter registration and engagement among urban Native populations nationwide.
THE PROBLEM: NATIVE VOTERS IN OKLAHOMA ARE OVERLOOKED AND APATHETIC
Oklahoma had the lowest voter turnout rate in the country in 2024, with participation dropping below the levels seen in the past two presidential elections.
Among the 9.6 million Native Americans in the U.S., over 78% live off-reservation in urban areas, often without a unified national voice. Many fall outside the service boundaries of their Tribal nations, leaving them largely invisible in policy discussions and disconnected from key decision-making processes.
In recent years, tensions between state officials and Tribal governments have escalated over critical issues such as the McGirt ruling, the Indian Child Welfare Act, gaming compacts, and taxation. Combined with historic trauma and systemic barriers, these challenges have contributed to voter apathy among Native communities.
Further compounding the issue, the Oklahoma Election Board purged over 500,000 names from the voter registration list in 2024, disproportionately impacting historically marginalized voters and further suppressing Native voter participation.
OUR SOLUTION: ENGAGE NATIVE VOTERS ON THEIR OWN TERMS
In response to low voter turnout and recent voter purges, we work to register Native voters and provide voter education on critical election deadlines and procedures.
Recognizing the impact of historic trauma and political tensions, we engage Native communities through culturally relevant outreach, community discussions, and advocacy on issues directly affecting Indigenous lives.
By amplifying Indigenous voices and removing barriers to participation, we strive to ensure that Native American voters in Oklahoma are heard, empowered, and represented at every level of government.
Through these initiatives, we strengthened Indigenous voter participation, ensuring Native voices are heard in the electoral process.
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Rock The Native Vote (RNV) is dedicated to increasing voter engagement and political participation among Native communities. Through a variety of programs, including voter registration drives, educational events, and grassroots outreach efforts, RNV works to empower individuals to make their voices heard in local, state, and national elections. The organization leverages strategic partnerships, such as with the First Americans Museum, and engages in key events like Indigenous Peoples Day and the Anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, to promote civic awareness and involvement.
As RNV continues to grow and expand its impact, we invite funders to partner with us in this essential work. Your support will enable us to reach more communities, strengthen our programming, and sustain our efforts to increase Native representation and civic participation. Together, we can build a more inclusive and politically engaged future for Indian Country. |
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