Wingbeat 88 empowers Navajo voters through kinship organizing

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

FLAGSTAFF — In a state where every vote counts, Wingbeat 88, an Arizona-based nonprofit organization, is making significant strides in voter engagement and registration. Focused on kinship organizing, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that individuals are informed about their voting rights and equipped with the resources needed to participate in elections.

One of Wingbeat 88’s flagship programs addresses the critical issue of voter registration. With a mission to empower voters, the nonprofit provides comprehensive support to help individuals navigate the often-complicated registration process. This initiative is particularly vital in Arizona, where maintaining up-to-date voter registrations can directly influence election outcomes.

Wingbeat 88 has successfully helped nearly 8,900 Navajo citizens update their voter registration information, a remarkable achievement that underscores the organization’s commitment to enhancing civic engagement within the community.

Complicated conundrum

Elections can become a complicated conundrum in the Navajo Nation because Navajo voters are required to travel to two different polling areas. This complexity arises from the distinct electoral systems governing tribal and state/federal elections.

First, Navajo voters must visit one polling location to cast their ballots for tribal candidates. This site is specifically designated for elections that pertain to tribal governance, allowing voters to select representatives who will address issues unique to the Navajo Nation.

After completing this process, voters must then travel to a separate polling site to participate in state and federal elections. This dual-system setup means that voters may have to navigate significant distances, often across challenging terrain, to fulfill their civic duty.

Several factors contribute to the challenges faced by Navajo voters in this process such as geographic barriers. Many Navajo communities are in remote areas, making travel to polling sites both time-consuming and costly. Access to reliable transportation can also be a significant hurdle.

Logistical issues, such as a lack of public transportation options or financial constraints can also make travel difficult. Polling locations can create confusion about where and when to vote, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the electoral process or the specific requirements for each type of election. Lastly, the need to travel to two locations can be a barrier for voters who work or have other commitments, potentially resulting in long waits or missed opportunities to vote.
Another concerning factor is if the Republican Party gets its way, it could potentially impact some 40,000 Arizona voters, including Navajo voters and voters from the other 22 Arizona tribes.

The Republican National Committee is seeking an emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent approximately 40,000 registered voters in Arizona from casting their ballots in the upcoming presidential election. The RNC has requested that the Court issue a decision by today before counties begin printing ballots. The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office has indicated that this ruling could impact around 41,000 voters, including many service members, students, and Native Americans who registered without birth certificates.

This legal battle centers on a 2022 law enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature, with roots tracing back to a 2004 voter-approved measure, Proposition 200, which mandates that Arizonans provide “documentary proof” of citizenship when registering to vote. Critics of the law argue that it conflicts with federal regulations, particularly the National Voter Registration Act, which allows states to register voters based on a standardized form that does not require proof of citizenship.

Fair and accessible

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said elections must be fair and accessible when he was apprised of the Republican Party’s intent to suppress tens of thousands of votes in Arizona.

“Elections must be fair and accessible for all. Voting is a constitutional right, and we should strive to include more citizens in this vital civic duty, not limit their participation through restrictive measures,” he said.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley added and said that many Navajo elderly were born without birth certificates and preventing their right to vote or suppress their voices should not be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Here on the Navajo Nation and in all tribal communities in Arizona, we have many elders who do not have birth certificates simply because they were not born in a hospital facility, but that should not violate their right to vote,” said Speaker Curley. “Native people already face so many obstacles when it comes to voter registration and casting their ballots. Every eligible voter deserves an equal opportunity to vote and have their voice heard.”

Wingbeat 88 cofounder LivA’ndrea Knoki said these complexities highlight the importance of voter education and support initiatives, such as those provided by organizations like Wingbeat 88, which aim to empower Navajo voters and facilitate their participation in both tribal and state and federal elections.

“Our goal is to organize ourselves on our terms. But for now, we live in the structure, which means we have to utilize this structure to figure out how we can participate and influence laws and policies. So just to have our voices in the mix is important, imperative,” said Knoki.

She added that while voting is important, ensuring Navajo voices are heard and ultimately deciding that determining their paths should be the end goal.

“How do we help strengthen our voice in relation to the laws that affect us, our communities, our households, our families? At the same time, how do we reinvigorate our ways of organizing on our terms?” asked Knoki. “So, is voting important right now? Yes, but we should also be simultaneously, at the same time, thinking about how do we do these things for ourselves?”

Swaying election results

The organization’s efforts could particularly be significant, where voter turnout can dramatically sway election results. During the 2020 election between then U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and then-President Donald Trump, Arizona became a key state for Biden when the Navajo vote helped secure his victory. At that time, Trump lost to Biden by less than 11,000 votes.

If the Republicans succeed in suppressing the Navajo vote, as well as tens of thousands of other votes, it could mean all the Arizona Republican candidates could win.

In 2020, nearly 80% of registered Arizona voters went to the polls, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s website. In July 2024, during the primary elections, more than 4.1 million Arizonans registered to vote, with 35.41% Republican voters registering and 29.10% democratic voters registering.

Since President Joe Biden stepped down and Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the nomination, Knoki said they’ve noticed the youth seemed to have become more interested in voting.

“We’ve seen just a motivation shift to vote in the General (Election). There was a shift in motivation. So, people were excited, especially the youth. I think her campaign is speaking to the youth and capturing that vote. So, yeah, I think there has been an increase in interest,” she said.

As the upcoming elections approach, Knoki said Wingbeat 88 will continue to encourage residents to check their registration status and get involved in the electoral process.

“We’re always trying to educate people on getting back to the polls. So having a voter registration on file isn’t effective unless we’re following through. So, we’re always trying to educate people on what is the easiest way for you to do this,” she said. “It may not be as easy for someone to just hop in a car on the reservation because they may not have a vehicle to hop into. They may not have friends or relatives who are willing to pick them up and take them to polling places, so we’re trying to educate them as best as possible. But being on the early voting registration list is a really good way to make sure that your vote gets counted.”
For more information on how to register or to participate in Wingbeat 88’s initiatives, visit Wingbeat’s website (wingbeat88.org) to learn more about voter registration.

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