Be HEARD

5 Reasons Why Your Voice Matters: Amplifying the AIAN Vote in California Elections

Have you ever wondered why local roads are in poor conditions, why your tax dollars seem to disappear, or why you’re searching for a new health plan—again? Or have you been frustrated by more profound issues, like the lack of response in cases of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP)? These are decisions shaped by local and state elections. So, is it worth the time to register, learn about the issues, and show up to vote? If you’re unsure, here are five reasons to consider why your voice matters.

1.Representation of Community Interests:
Voting allows American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities to elect officials who understand and fight for specific needs, such as culturally competent healthcare, public health initiatives, and preservation of cultural practices.

Quick Tip: Elected Officials know how to get elected; do they really understand your community?
Building relationships with them ensures they listen to those most impacted.

2. Improvement of Public Health Services:
Local governments play a crucial role in shaping public health policies that impact access to healthcare, mental health services, and substance abuse programs. Voting ensures that these policies are designed to meet the unique needs of urban AIAN communities, which often face significant health disparities.

Reclaiming Sovereignty Through Civic Engagement:
Voting is an act of reclaiming control over your community’s future. By participating in elections, urban AIANs assert their right to influence decisions that affect their lives, reclaiming a sense of autonomy and self-determination

4. Advocacy for Education and Youth Programs:
Urban AIANs can use their vote to support the development and funding of youth education programs, youth services, and after-school activities that strengthen cultural identity and improve educational outcomes for Native youth.

5. Influence on Housing and Social Services:
Affordable housing and access to social services are critical issues in urban areas. Voting in local elections enables AIANs to advocate for policies that address housing insecurity, improve access to social services, and ensure these programs consider the cultural, health, and social realities of urban AIAN communities.

Make Your Voice Heard!
What matters to you as an AIAN person in California? Your concerns will only be addressed if you make your voice heard. Here’s how to ensure your vote counts:

Need Help? Contact us for talking points or a template letter.

If you’re unsure how the issues on the ballot connect to you, don’t worry—in our next blog, we’ll break it down in an AIAN Voter’s Guide. Stay tuned!