Frank Harrison, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and Miguel Trujillo Native American Voting Rights Act of 2021

Frank Harrison, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and Miguel Trujillo Native American Voting Rights Act of 2021

This bill addresses the voting rights of Native American and Alaska Native voters and voting access on tribal lands.

The bill includes provisions

• expanding the types of facilities that can be used as voter registration agencies;
• increasing polling site accessibility, including by expanding early in-person voting and providing ballot drop boxes;
• providing enforcement power to citizens and attorneys general;
• requiring approval for actions like moving a polling place;
• validating certain tribal identification for voting or registering to vote;
• permitting voters to designate another individual to return a ballot on their behalf; and
• expanding requirements for bilingual voting accessibility.

In addition, the bill establishes a Native American voting task force grant program for the purpose of increasing voter outreach, education, registration, turnout, and accessibility for Native American communities.

The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on (1) the prevalence of nontraditional or nonexistent mailing addresses among Indians, members of tribes, and individuals residing on Indian lands; and (2) the alternatives for removing barriers to voter registration, receipt of voter information and materials, and receipt of ballots.

Bill 117 hr 5008, also known as the Frank Harrison, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and Miguel Trujillo Native American Voting Rights Act of 2021, aims to protect and expand voting rights for Native Americans across the United States. The bill is named after three prominent Native American activists who fought for voting rights and equality.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Providing funding for Native American tribes to establish and maintain polling places on tribal lands, making it easier for Native Americans to access voting locations. 2. Implementing measures to ensure that Native Americans have equal access to voter registration and absentee voting opportunities. 3. Prohibiting discriminatory practices that have historically disenfranchised Native American voters, such as voter suppression tactics and gerrymandering. 4. Promoting voter education and outreach efforts within Native American communities to increase voter turnout and engagement. Overall, the Frank Harrison, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and Miguel Trujillo Native American Voting Rights Act of 2021 seeks to address the systemic barriers that have prevented Native Americans from fully participating in the democratic process. By protecting and expanding voting rights for Native Americans, the bill aims to promote greater political representation and empowerment within Native American communities.