Tribes In Oklahoma Urging Tribal Members To Vote

Tuesday, July 25th 2006, 6:04 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- With the primary elections looming, American Indian tribes in the state are utilizing various voting tactics with hopes of maximizing what they call the "Native voice" in Oklahoma government.

The Creek Nation created Native Vote United earlier this year in response to lack of tribal consultation on important issues in the 2004 elections, included gaming and tobacco legislation.

Coordinator Rita Williams says the purpose of the organization is to get American Indians involved in the democratic process.

The Native Vote United initiative gives Indians an opportunity to register to vote, provides them with the dates of elections and gives voters rides to the polls if they don't have transportation.

Williams says the group also goes to youth events to try and get young tribal members registered to vote.