Stormy weather doesn’t deter Democratic rally in Dilkon

DILKON, Ariz.

Despite a storm system that swept through part of the Navajo Nation on Sunday, the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland joined the Democratic ticket for a rally in Dilkon aimed at rallying the Navajo Nation for the upcoming election.

The event served as a platform to encourage local voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Democratic Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, the U.S. Rep. for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, seeking a second term.

Amid rain and hail, former Navajo Nation President and current Congressional candidate for Arizona’s Congressional District 2, Jonathan Nez addressed the crowd, stressing the historical significance of Haaland’s role as the first Indigenous Native American secretary of the Interior.

“Her leadership represents a pivotal moment for our people,” Nez declared, emphasizing that the power of the vote is essential to amplifying the Navajo Nation’s voice in national discourse.

Nez recalled the impressive 54% voter turnout during the 2020 election, a crucial factor in securing President Joe Biden’s victory. He noted the Biden Administration’s commitment to the Navajo Nation, pointing to federal funding and infrastructure improvements vital to the community’s development.

“On Tuesday, we’re going to come out in big numbers, and we’re going to vote. We’re going to vote Kamala Harris, we’re going to vote Tim Waltz, we’re going to vote Ruben Gallego, and we’re gonna put the first ch’ízhii Navajo into Congress, Jonathan Nez. Are you ready for that?” said Nez.

With the stakes high, Nez cautioned against complacency, highlighting potential threats posed by policies that might open federal lands to resource extraction.

Project 2025

Nez mentioned Project 2025, a blueprint for conservatives, was created by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and 140 former Trump administration officials. It is a comprehensive agenda aimed at fundamentally reshaping the U.S. executive branch. This initiative, described as a roadmap for implementing right-wing ideals, outlines a series of extreme policy recommendations that could dramatically alter various facets of American life.

At the heart of Project 2025 is the “Mandate For Leadership,” a sprawling 900-page manual detailing agency-by-agency strategies to implement conservative policies across the federal government.

“One of the things that’s in there is, you heard Donald Trump say, ‘Drill, baby, drill,’ right? Have you heard that? He’s going to open up federal lands to natural resource extraction, right? Federal lands. They’re already doing it, talking about the Arctic and everywhere. Ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters, listen to this — if they’re going to open federal lands like that, what’s there to stop them from opening up reservation land to development?” Nez questioned the Navajo voters.

Council Delegate Carl Slater echoed this call to action, encouraging attendees to mobilize their families and friends to participate in the upcoming election.

“We’re not going back. We are not going to let people off the Navajo Nation run our affairs. This beautiful land right here, we’re the ones who are supposed to run it according to the teachings of the Holy People, and that is the government that we need to build,” said Slater. “The Harris-Waltz administration is going to support nation-building and Indian communities.

“They’re going to support your voice being heard. They’re going to make sure that you get the federal resources to help support us in creating a beautiful Navajo Nation homeland. And we need everyone to get out there on Tuesday.”

Considering Democrats’ proven track

Delegate Slater emphasized the support the Democratic Party has provided to Indigenous communities during the pandemic. Speaking alongside high-profile Democratic candidates, Slater urged undecided voters to consider the party’s proven track record in delivering vital resources and services to the Navajo Nation.

Slater called on voters to reflect on the tangible benefits that Democratic policies have brought to Navajo communities, such as improved access to clean water, better roads, and healthcare services.

“To undecided voters, I urge you to think about who has delivered for our people. The Democrats are committed to empowering Indian Country and supporting nation-building initiatives that resonate deeply within our values of family and community,” he said.

Arizona State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie added an important dimension to the rally, providing information on voter protection initiatives. She urged community members to remain proactive and informed about their rights at the polls, ensuring that everyone can cast their vote without hindrance.

Hatathlie said voters have a right to ask for a provisional ballot if their name is not on a list that election officials use to verify voters’ information.

This is voter protection. If you are harassed, if you are intimidated at the polls, this is the number that you call.

“If you go to vote and your name is not on the list to receive a ballot, ask for a provisional ballot. You need to ask. They’re not going to ask you if you want a provisional ballot. You have to ask for a provisional ballot as soon as you vote,” Hatathlie instructed Navajo voters of their rights.

She provided 833-868-3429 for voters to call if they feel their voting rights were violated.

Nez said he plans to visit Window Rock, Chinle, Kayenta, and Tuba City on Monday, and the southern parts of District 2, asking for Arizonans to vote for him. On Tuesday, he said the Coconino County Democratic Party plans to have an event at the Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff, beginning at 6 a.m.

Voting sites across the Navajo Nation for tribal and national elections open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

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