Arizona nonprofit works to increase Native voter registration and civic education

Jaynie Parrish, a member of the Navajo Nation, is leading efforts to increase voter registration and civic participation across tribal communities in Arizona, according to Flagstaff Business News. Parrish is the founder and director of Arizona Native Vote, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on engaging Native voters in rural areas, including Navajo, Hopi and White Mountain Apache communities.

Parrish said the organization provides voter registration support and culturally tailored civics education for middle and high school students. The group also helps explain voting requirements, including address verification and identification. Arizona Native Vote works with volunteers to deliver curriculum and outreach, and Parrish said students exposed to the program are more likely to vote. She said the effort aims to build long-term engagement and understanding of government systems.