Tribes set to observe November vote

[Nimrod]

I would post this in the News forum, but it's the ONE story that appeared in the Montana Missoulian today that isn't posted on the internet. I think it's extremely cool.

To seriously paraphrase, the Native American tribes are appointing observers in those states with a high NA voter turnout. Montana, the Dakotas, and Oregon are among the 13 states that will have the tribal representatives at the polling places.

The reason for this is because thousands of Native Americans were disenfranchised in 2000. South Dakota was given as an example: Native Americans were barred from voting if they did not have ID, even though the South Dakota laws state that individuals without ID ARE allowed to vote if they sign an affidavit of their identity.

[Catt03]

1. Cool

they are voting for Kerry I hope

[Nimrod]

3. In Montana at least

They've been extremely vocal about getting every member of every tribe to vote. No partisanship being voiced, but Native Americans are much like other minorities in leaning heavily to the left (or at least heavily away from the right). Another issue they're taking a big voice in is opposition to the election of a complete wingnut to the state Supreme Court.

Around here in the Bitterroots, the tribal councils are extremely active.

[Warpy]

2. They tried to pull that shit in New Mexico

until a judge slapped them down. The district Federal judge refused to hear an appeal, so for now, nobody needs to present ID.

Rethuglicans are playing dirty all over the place.

[loudsue]

4. Rethuglicans play dirty as a way of life.

Been that way since before Reagan. America doesn't need that. America doesn't need THEM!!

:kick::kick::kick: