American Indian communities determine future with their vote, Nov. 2

Dear Editor: It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors, hunting season has opened, and snow flurries are on the horizon. It is also election season. In the next few days, voters in Montana will complete absentee ballots or head to the polls on November 2nd. I specialize in environmental justice issues at the University of Montana, studying fairness in how environmental decisions are made and who benefits and who pays, particularly with regard to health and well-being of our families and children. Now more than ever, it is critical that American Indian communities stand for their interests by voting. Who we elect impacts our health, water, forests, fish and wildlife. Who we elect also affects economic opportunities in our communities. New state legislators will determine the future of renewable energy jobs in Montana and the fate of the environmental protections and our health. In the past, the lower voting rates on Indian reservations have led to the concerns the people are being ignored. The best way to make your voice heard is to cast your ballot on or before November 2nd. This election will have especially far reaching effects on tribal communities where residents of Lake, Glacier, and Flathead counties will choose their representative to the Public Service Commission. The PSC regulates energy utilities and the cost of our energy bills. Voters will choose a new Supreme Court Justice, the court charged with upholding our rights to privacy and a clean and healthful environment. Please know where these candidates stand on issues that affect clean water and air, education, energy, and jobs and vote on or before next Tuesday, November 2nd. Take a family member or friend or two with you to your voting station too! For information about your voting rights and options visit https://www.mtvotersedfund.org/voter_info or call 1-888-884-VOTE.

Robin Saha 1641 W. Kent Ave. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 543-0862

I’ll be among the people casting my vote on Tuesday.

Jodi Rave