NCAI says Supreme Court ruling protects mailed ballots in tribal communities
Organization says decision removes one barrier for Native voters while urging continued vigilance over election access
The National Congress of American Indians released a statement about the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold a Mississippi law allowing legally cast mail-in ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day, even if they arrive afterward. According to the statement, the organization argued in an amicus brief with the Alaska Federation of Natives and Native American Rights Fund that many American Indian and Alaska Native voters face postal delays and long distances that can affect ballot delivery in remote tribal communities.
NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. said the decision "ensures one less barrier to counting Native votes" and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to protecting Native voting rights. NCAI also encouraged tribal nations and citizens to remain engaged in elections and continue efforts to strengthen civic participation.
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