In 2026, NARF released a new report, Obstacles Persist: According to the Data that demonstrates how Native voters continue to face significant roadblocks at every stage of the election process. The data revealed in the report illustrate a voting process that is starkly different than what most Americans experience, resulting in higher rejections of voter registrations and ballots cast, and more voters removed from statewide rolls.
In 2017 and 2018, the Native American Voting Rights Coalition — founded by the Native American Rights Fund — held nine public hearings to better understand how Native Americans are systemically and culturally kept from fully exercising their franchise. More than 120 witnesses testified from dozens of Tribes across the country.
The final report, Obstacles at Every Turn: Barriers to Political Participation Faced by Native American Voters, was released in June 2020 and provides detailed evidence that Native people face obstacles at every turn in the electoral process: from registering to vote, to casting votes, to having votes counted.
Graphic design for the report provided by Katherine Howell-Kiser. Strategic communications support provided by Pyramid Communications’ Native-led Indian Country Team.
Other reports on the obstacles faced by Native voters:
- DISCONNECTED DEMOCRACY: The Impact of Mail Service on Native American Voter Registration and Mail Balloting
- ELECTION INEQUITIES IN INDIAN COUNTRY: Understanding Native American Turnout in Federal Elections
- Obstacles at Every Turn: 2021 Addendum
- Obstacles at Every Turn: 2021 Case Updates
RELATED MATERIALS:
- Download a summary of the report’s findings including recommendations for a way forward>>
- Download a summary of Native American voter impact>>
- Download a summary of obstacles related to registration>>
- Download a summary of obstacles related to vote-by-mail>>
- Download a summary of obstacles related to casting a ballot>>