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.
THE PROBLEM: NATIVE VOTERS IN OKLAHOMA ARE OVERLOOKED AND APATHETIC
Every eligible Native voter deserves the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Yet generations of historical trauma, cultural barriers, and structural disenfranchisement have created significant obstacles to voter participation for Indigenous peoples. In Oklahoma, which has the second largest Native population in the country at more than half a million people, these barriers have tangible impacts on people’s daily lives.
In addition, Oklahoma had the second lowest voter turnout rate in the nation in 2024 (Election Lab, University of Florida, 2025). Credibly tackling this issue must include the more than 200,000 eligible Indigenous voters across the state (Verified News Network, 2025). This is particularly salient to the 78% of Native Oklahomans living in urban areas where, more often than not, they become invisible living off reservation and beyond Tribal service boundaries. The result is exclusion from fair representation and decision-making processes, compounding disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity.
In recent years, tensions between state officials and Tribal governments have escalated over critical issues such as the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020) 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.
Amid these challenges, Oklahoma officials have passed some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, directly limiting participation by marginalized communities and perpetuating Native disenfranchisement.
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.
THE PROBLEM: NATIVE VOTERS IN OKLAHOMA ARE OVERLOOKED AND APATHETIC
Every eligible Native voter deserves the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Yet generations of historical trauma, cultural barriers, and structural disenfranchisement have created significant obstacles to voter participation for Indigenous peoples. In Oklahoma, which has the second largest Native population in the country at more than half a million people, these barriers have tangible impacts on people’s daily lives.
In addition, Oklahoma had the second lowest voter turnout rate in the nation in 2024 (Election Lab, University of Florida, 2025). Credibly tackling this issue must include the more than 200,000 eligible Indigenous voters across the state (Verified News Network, 2025). This is particularly salient to the 78% of Native Oklahomans living in urban areas where, more often than not, they become invisible living off reservation and beyond Tribal service boundaries. The result is exclusion from fair representation and decision-making processes, compounding disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity.
In recent years, tensions between state officials and Tribal governments have escalated over critical issues such as the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020) 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.
Amid these challenges, Oklahoma officials have passed some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, directly limiting participation by marginalized communities and perpetuating Native disenfranchisement.
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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