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Get Out the Vote coordinator Jason Smith helps a student register to vote.Reznet Photo by Alyssa Kelly

Salish Kootenai College Gets Out the Vote

By Alyssa Kelly

PABLO, Mont. — Members of the Flathead Reservation gathered at the Salish Kootenai College campus Sept. 25 for a Get Out the Vote rally to encourage young Natives to register to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

"As Americans, it's our right and duty to register and vote," said rally coordinator Jason Smith. "Choosing the right people to lead this nation is crucial, especially now."

Montana, which has traditionally voted Republican, witnessed a Democratic victory at a slight .5 percent advantage in the 2006 U.S Senate election. As a result, Montana is now considered a battleground state. The registration deadline in Montana is Oct. 6 and Smith is trying to register as many Native voters as he can. Get Out the Vote has no political preference.

"I think Native American participation in politics is growing and it's getting attention on a national level," said Smith.

Native population helps make Montana a swing state

Home to seven federally recognized tribes, some speculate the driving force behind Montana's recent change in political stance is due to the state's 7.5 percent Native American population.

During this year's campaign, state and U.S. candidates found it crucial to visit the state's tribal leaders when recruiting voters. Both Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton chose to discuss their plans to meet the needs of tribal nations by visiting two of the state's seven reservations. Obama visited Crow Agency on the Crow Reservation, while Clinton went to the SKC campus on the Flathead Reservation.

"I think it's important that we keep our facilities available for occasions like the Clinton rally and the Get Out the Vote event," said SKC president Joe McDonald. "It's important that the community votes because it's an opportunity to voice their opinions on topics that matter to them, like education."

The rally produced 18 registered voters, one being SKC student Ed Grinsell an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. "Voting is a part of life," said Grinsell. "I think it's important that the next president prioritize. I think the top issues they face are helping the economy and improving health care.

"Back home, I see a lot of people who choose to get on welfare rather than get jobs because it's easier and you get more to live off of," Grinsell said. "I think the government should support tribes by promoting independence from the government."

Recruiting at party-neutral registration event

While some viewed the rally as an opportunity for registering voters, others found it an opportunity to recruit. Melissa Howlette, a member of the Obama campaign office on the Flathead Reservation, was trying to sway voters to cast their ballots for Obama.

"Sen. Obama feels that if the Native Americans in Montana vote, that could help us win in this state," Howlette said. "He plans to have a Native American adviser in the White House if elected as president, which is something the current president does not have."

Joey Jayne, a candidate for District Court of Sanders and Lake Counties of Montana, handed out bumper stickers and business cards to promote her campaign. "The Native vote makes a great impact in all races," said Jayne. "I ran in past elections and what I've found is Native Americans make up their own minds when it comes to voting. You can never assume anything, which is why it's important for candidates to personally reach out to that community."

Alyssa Kelly, Pend d'Oreille, attends Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Mont. She is a former reporter for the Char-koosta, the tribal newspaper of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

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