Rides for democracy: Bia family coordinates voter transport efforts in Kayenta
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Joseph and Katherine Bia, both from Kayenta, count up how many voters they transported or helped coordinate with other drivers, get to the polls to vote, on Tuesday in Kayenta.
KAYENTA — Revolving around the logistics of transporting voters to polling sites in northeast Arizona, two people rose to the occasion of defining the meaning of k’é on Election Day.
Joseph and Katherine Bia returned from transporting a voter home on Tuesday evening. They seemed relaxed and satisfied with the volunteer work they took on as they went over the list of people they and other drivers helped.
Overall, they said about 40 people needed rides, including additional transportation needs from places like Crownpoint, Shiprock, and Ganado.
Their willingness to step up for voters in need transformed what could have been an overwhelming logistical challenge into a testament to the power of community engagement.
Joseph explained the process of how they’ve been transporting and coordinating with other drivers to pick up individuals from their homes to vote.
“This is the whole northeast corner of Arizona, northeast Arizona Democrat, and she’s (Katherine) directing people where to call after they call for a ride. We direct them to another driver within their voting area, like people from Chiiłchinbii’tó, or Dennehotso, or Oljato,” explained Joseph, as his wife was on the phone with a voter as she instructed them who would be picking them up. “We just tell them there’s another driver over there, and we tell them to call this number. And we have the list of numbers of drivers all over in this area.”
Teaming up with other volunteers from surrounding areas, including Tuba City, they created an informal network that extended far beyond Kayenta. The couple orchestrated rides for voters traveling from various distant communities, showcasing the deep commitment to civic duty that runs through the veins of the Navajo Nation.
Katherine added voters called or texted her asking for a ride from as far away as Shiprock and Crownpoint, which are at least two to more than three hours’ drive from Kayenta.
“Some of them text us from different places,” the couple said. “We made several runs all over the place. We’re exhausted.”
However, the day was not without its challenges. An alleged bomb threat at the Kayenta Business Center briefly interrupted operations and led to a temporary shutdown, causing concern among voters and volunteers alike. Law enforcement officials closed off the site and conducted a sweep of the facility. After nearly an hour, according to Lawson Benally, the spokesperson for the Kayenta Township, police determined there was no threat and reopened the area so that voting could resume.
The Bias, undeterred by the unexpected adversity, quickly adapted to the circumstances and continued working tirelessly to ensure those who needed transportation could still reach the polls without hesitation.
Through their selfless actions, the Bia family not only facilitated access to the polls but also inspired others to contribute in whatever way they could.
“Seeing so many people come together motivated us to keep going,” Joseph added. “It’s about supporting each other.”
As the day began concluding, Joseph and Katherine sat in the parking lot quietly assessing the importance of the work they accomplished: that each ride they provided was a crucial link in the chain of democracy, reminding voters that their participation mattered.
In a time when civic engagement is often challenged by barriers, the efforts of Joseph and Katherine Bia stand as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Highway 264,
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