Action Kit

Photo of woman speaking into a microphone with her hands raised

Our vote is our power.

We have seen the impact of the Native vote on local, state, and national elections. When we come together, we create lasting change in our communities.

Native Vote Washington was started in 2008 by a Native-led collaborative working to increase the political empowerment, education, and engagement of Native Peoples in Washington state.

To help spread the word, we’ve put together an action kit of materials that are ready-to-use. This includes sample social posts, emails, and text messages. Key Information is also listed below.

Who is this action kit for?

This action kit is for Native community leaders, tribes, and Indigenous-led organizations to encourage, support, and amplify Native Peoples’ voices in the 2024 Elections. Help us spread the word about the importance of the Native vote for our future generations.

How to use this action kit?

Use the sample social posts, emails, and text messages—and please, customize them to your own voice and tone—to encourage Native Peoples to use their power and vote this November.

When to use this action kit?

This action kit should be used from NOW until November 5th. We have included tools for use during three periods of time:

  1. NOW through October 28th | Register to Vote: We recommend sharing information reminding eligible voters to get registered and make a plan to vote.

  2. October 18th through October 28th | Vote! We recommend sharing messages that remind Native Peoples about the POWER and importance of their vote—for all Native Peoples today and our future generations.

  3. October 29th through November 5th | Time is Running Out – Vote TODAY! We must call our relatives to the ballot/mail box—time will be running out and we need our voices to be heard. NOTE: In Washington State, eligible voters can register to vote between October 29th and November 5th in person at their County Auditor Office—let your community know it’s not too late to register to vote during this period of time, as well!

THANK YOU for your help spreading the word about our power—our VOTE.

Key Information

  • The deadline to vote in Washington State (by mail or online) is October 28th. To register online, go to NativeVoteWashington.org and click on Take Action (upper right on this site). October 29th through November 5th you can still register to vote in person at your County Auditor Office.

  • You can vote in Washington State beginning October 18th—that’s when ballots will arrive in the mail. You can vote and drop your ballot in a U.S. postal service mail box or a ballot drop box that day!

  • Yes! To find a location for in person voting in Washington State, look here.

  • There are critical elections in Washington State this year from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, to our Washington State Secretary of State and the state legislature and County Council, where the Native Vote can make a difference.

  • Washington State mails a ballot to every registered voter a few weeks before the election. If you choose to appear in person to vote in Washington, you will be required to either sign a ballot declaration or provide photo identification. The identification must be a valid photo ID.

    Acceptable forms of valid photo ID include:

    ● driver's license
    ● state ID card
    ● student ID card
    ● tribal ID card
    ● employer ID card

    A tribal ID card is not required to include a residential address or an expiration date to be considered valid. Any individual who desires to vote in person, but cannot provide identification shall receive a provisional ballot, which shall be accepted if the signature matches the signature on the voter's registration record.

    You do not need an address to be a registered voter. You can register by listing any place you can be found—this could be an intersection, a friend or relative’s home, a public building, etc. This is enshrined in law with the Washington State Native Voting Rights Act.

  • Voter intimidation at the polls, few polling places on American Indian reservations, and online disinformation regarding voting laws are all types of voter suppression.

    With so much election information moving online, tribes should be aware that voter misinformation could be targeted to Native voters online to suppress the vote.

  • The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a trusted source for Native vote information, education, and advocacy across the country. Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE and ask for NARF if you run into any voting issues. The Election Protection Hotline is also available to answer legal questions regarding the voting process. Be sure to contact NARF in the event of voter suppression, intimidation, or discrimination. The Election Protection Hotline and the vote@narf.org email address will be monitored to assist Native voters and organizers.

    Email: vote@narf.org

    Website: narf.org

    Voter Advocacy Information:
    vote.narf.org/advocacy-actions
    Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE and ask for NARF

  • If you didn’t receive your ballot, or lost your ballot or it was damaged, go to Vote.WA.gov to get a replacement.

  • The best thing to do is contact your County Elections Department and ask for a temporary change in your mailing address. You should also contact the county elections department when you return to the address where you are registered to vote, or if you have permanently moved.

  • November 5, 2024