Get Out the Native Vote

Get Out the Native Vote (GOTNV) is a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement among Alaska Natives by enhancing voter registration, education, and participation in electoral processes. The organization focuses on removing barriers that prevent Alaska Natives from participating in elections, such as voter registration issues, lack of language access, and geographic isolation.

Mission and Goals

GOTNV aims to establish a permanent infrastructure for civic engagement among Alaska Natives, ensuring that their voices are heard in local, state, and national elections. Its strategic priorities include:

• Leadership Development and Youth Support: Engaging young people in the electoral process through initiatives such as the recruitment of youth ambassadors.
• Voter Education: Educating voters about candidates and ballot measures, ensuring that they are informed and engaged in the democratic process.
• Advocacy: Advocating for issues important to Alaska Natives and ensuring that Native voices are represented across the political spectrum.

Activities and Impact

Since its inception, GOTNV has been actively involved in various initiatives:

• Youth Engagement: GOTNV has successfully engaged young people by involving them as youth ambassadors in the electoral process, which not only enhances their leadership skills but also encourages community participation.
• Voter Awareness: The organization works with regional organizations and other nonprofits to increase voter awareness and education around key issues affecting Native communities.
• Challenges Addressed: GOTNV addresses systemic barriers such as voter apathy, logistical challenges, and discrimination that often hinder Native voter participation.

National Context

The importance of Native voter initiatives extends beyond Alaska, with organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) also focusing on non-partisan Get Out the Vote campaigns across the U.S. These efforts highlight the growing recognition of Native American and Alaska Native voting power in shaping national and local elections.

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