Record number of Navajo voters turn out for early voting as NEA begins special tribal elections after Nov. 5
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Navajo voters Laurita Begay, right, from Sawmill, and
Louise Watch from Fort Defiance, look at the sample ballots at who the candidates are on Wednesday in Window Rock.
WINDOW ROCK
The Navajo Nation is witnessing an unprecedented turnout for early voting in this election cycle.
According to Veronica Curley, the interim director of the Navajo Election Administration, a record 4,339 Navajo individuals have exercised their right to vote at polling sites since early voting commenced. Additionally, mail-in ballots have seen significant participation, with 1,257 ballots submitted by voters.
Curley highlighted these figures on Wednesday at her office in Window Rock, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the electoral process.
“That’s overall. Our numbers are high,” she said.
As the general elections approach on Tuesday, the NEA is also preparing for a special election regarding the Council delegate seat vacated by Lomardo Aseret, who announced his retirement from public service last month to prioritize family time. This special election is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 10, with three candidates having already been certified to run for the position, representing the chapters of Houck, Klagetoh, Nahat’á Dziil, Tsé Si Ani, and Wide Ruins.
Filing grievances
A 10-day window for filing any grievances related to the candidacy has opened. Should no grievances emerge, the NEA will finalize the date for the special election, ensuring that Aseret’s constituents have a voice in selecting their next representative, said Curley.
Regarding the disqualified tribal candidates, eight former candidates who had their cases denied by the Navajo Nation Office of Hearings and Appeals filed civil appeals with the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. They are Herman J. Yellowhorse, Lynn Edison Ross, Tanner Begay, Sherrick Roanhorse, Joann Dedman, Joseph Dedman Jr., Lynda Lasiloo, and Jacqueline Platero.
Depending on the outcome of their cases, a second special election could take place. It is not known when that could happen, but Curley said in August, that a special election could happen in February 2025.
Early voting surge
While early voting numbers have surged this year, concerns about potential voter turnout on Election Day due to forecasted inclement weather could be impacted.
Community member Laurita Begay from Sawmill emphasized the spirit of cooperation among residents.
“We can communicate with each other to see if anyone needs help getting to polling sites. It’s important for everyone to have their voice heard, regardless of the weather,” she said.
She and Louise Watch from Fort Defiance were at the NEA preparing to vote early.
Curley added tribal elections begin at 6 a.m. and close at 7 a.m. She also emphasized that time will roll back Sunday, which means there’ll be no one-hour time differences across the reservation.
As the community prepares for both the general and special elections, the NEA continues to encourage all eligible voters to make their voices count at the polls.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow