On May 13, 2025, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, and Ron Wyden, along with 11 other Senators, voiced serious concerns over the negative effects of President Trump’s anti-voter executive order and the SAVE Act on Native American voting rights. They addressed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in a letter, sharing their worries about the proposed changes that could lead to widespread disenfranchisement of Native voters.
Key Points
- Senators alerted the Secretary that new requirements for voter registration could disenfranchise eligible Native voters.
- Tribal IDs usually do not include place of birth or citizenship information, complicating voting registration.
- The SAVE Act requires in-person voting, making it difficult for Native voters in remote areas to reach polling locations.
- Vote-by-mail restrictions threaten Native communities that heavily rely on mail-in voting due to limited access to polling sites.
- The letter underscores the importance of protecting Native voting rights amidst potential federal mandate changes.
Why should I read this?
This article is critical if you care about voting rights, particularly for Native communities facing unfair barriers. With ongoing discussions about voting legislation, this push from prominent senators highlights the importance of ensuring every voice is heard at the ballot box. Don’t miss out on the details—we’ve read it for you!