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Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100. Unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap; NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical word of the year; AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers.

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Former President and humanitarian Jimmy Carter dies at age 100, extended funding for 9 11 responders is cut from the federal budget, and Republicans prepare a major overhaul of the nation's voting procedures.

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From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

ND tribal outreach leaders crank up the amps, messaging to voters

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Friday, November 1, 2024   

Political rallies and large-scale "get out the vote" events might conjure images of a packed arena in a major city but in states like North Dakota, groups connecting with Indigenous voters are bridging key messaging with entertainment.

This week, several hundred people packed a venue at the Spirit Lake Casino in St. Michael, where they were treated to a mix of popular music from well-known regional acts like Scotti Clifford to traditional drum music. It was all part of the "Snag the Vote" tour moving through the region.

Kirstin Cavanaugh, vice chair of the group North Dakota Native Vote, said between the guitar solos and singing was a reminder to participate in the election.

"We're working on getting that information for the voters to just basically have their voices heard," Cavanaugh explained.

In the 2018 midterms, North Dakota saw a surge in voter turnout in Indian Country after the state adopted a new restrictive Voter ID law, adding to long-standing barriers for people living on reservations. Rallies back then also featured big-name entertainers. The turnout regressed in 2020, with the effects of COVID-19.

Voters are often encouraged to pay attention to local races and not devote all their time to monitoring federal elections. But Cavanaugh acknowledged they sometimes have to reverse the order when reaching out to tribal populations, reminding them the race for the White House affects them, too.

"It's just been eye-opening for people where they're starting to be like, 'OK, yes, I want to be involved, I need to be involved with this,'" Cavanaugh observed.

At this week's outreach event, organizers gathered more than 250 "pledge to vote" commitments. Cavanaugh added while their efforts are vital just before an election, North Dakota Native Vote works year-round.

Disclosure: North Dakota Native Vote contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Housing/Homelessness, Livable Wages/Working Families, Native American Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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