Enchantment State News

A new report has examined the impact of redistricting on Native American communities following the 2020 Census. The study highlights the challenges faced by these communities during a census conducted amidst a pandemic and in the wake of the Supreme Court's Shelby County ruling that significantly weakened the protections of the Voting Rights Act.

Dan Vicuña, Common Cause Redistricting & Representation Director, stated, “Native American communities achieved a number of remarkable successes this redistricting cycle despite a census conducted during a pandemic and the fact that it was the first cycle since the Supreme Court’s disastrous Shelby County ruling gutted the protections of the Voting Rights Act.” He added that states with a history of voting discrimination no longer had to obtain preclearance approval for their maps from either the Justice Department or courts, leading to predictable outcomes in many cases.

Jaylyn Suppah, member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Co-Director of Tribal Democracy Project out of Oregon, said, “Despite the hurdles faced by Native communities during this redistricting cycle, we were determined to come away with answers about what went right and what went wrong and why.” She pointed out that in Oregon, where redistricting is controlled by legislature, there was often disregard for input from tribes and tribal communities. This report offers guidance on how to address these issues.

The research used a mixed-methods approach focusing on interviews with Native American community leaders and organizers involved in this redistricting cycle across various states. The study examined public outreach and education as well as access to the redistricting process. It also looked at how communities of interest (e.g., Native American and tribal communities) criteria were used in map drawing.

The research concluded with several findings about the 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting. Molly Swank, Common Cause New Mexico Executive Director said: “We know there is more work to be done to ensure fair maps for all, and we are deeply indebted to the tribal leaders and organizers for their time leading this process.” She emphasized that this crucial body of work will guide efforts to build a democracy and redistricting process that works for everyone, striving toward better representation for all of New Mexico’s unique pueblos and Tribal Nations.

The report also offered several recommendations based on its findings. To read the full report, “Stronger Together: Native Americans’ Fight for Fair Redistricting,” click here. To read the recent report, “The Roadmap for Fair Maps in 2030,” click here. To read the previously released “Charge Report: Community Redistricting Report Card,” click here.