Native voters in Louisiana face distinct challenges that can hinder their participation in elections. From geographic isolation to inadequate outreach, many of these obstacles remain largely unaddressed. 

Invisibility in the data

Louisiana’s voter classification system tends to group Native Americans into a catch-all “Other” category, which obscures their unique voting patterns and needs. This lack of clear statistical representation makes it difficult to track turnout or address disparities specific to Native populations. Without comprehensive data, Native voters are often overlooked in statewide political strategies and outreach efforts.

This gap in data contributes to the systemic marginalization of Native voters, making it essential for tribes to take proactive steps in ensuring their communities are fully registered and engaged in the electoral process.

Geographic isolation and limited access

Native American voters in rural Louisiana, particularly in parishes such as Terrebonne, Lafourche, Avoyelles, St. Mary and Plaquemines, face serious voting challenges due to geographic isolation, limited access to polling stations, and scarce public transportation. These areas are home to tribes like the United Houma Nation and Tunica-Biloxi, where many voters, especially elders and those without reliable transportation, must travel long distances to cast their ballots. A 2018 report from the Louisiana Advisory Committee revealed that since 2012, 103 polling places were eliminated in rural areas, forcing some voters to walk more than a mile to vote. Early voting is also limited—Avoyelles Parish, for example, only has one early voting location for its entire population. The report highlighted that parishes with larger minority populations tend to have fewer early voting locations, further exacerbating the issue.

Minimal voter outreach has led to lower Native voter turnout. Although these issues were raised in 2018, there is no follow-up report to confirm whether any of these barriers were rectified for the 2020 or 2024 elections, leaving uncertainty about the state’s efforts to restore polling places, enhance transportation options, or improve outreach to Native voters.

What tribes can do: Empowering Native voters

  1. Voter registration drives/voter outreach: Tribes can make  it easier for members to sign up. These events can serve as an educational opportunity, informing tribal members about voting deadlines, ID requirements, the electoral college process, and the impact of their vote on tribal sovereignty and local issues.
  1. Transportation programs: Providing transportation to polling stations, especially in remote areas, could drastically improve voter turnout. Carpools, tribal vans, or collaborations with local community groups, offering rides to polling places can improve turnout.

Advocating for Native voters

The Tunica-Biloxi Political Action Committee (PAC) advocates for policies that impact Native American communities, particularly in Avoyelles Parish. It supports candidates aligned with tribal interests, promotes voter education, and works to expand access to voting resources. National organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Native Vote provide educational resources, advocating for election reforms, and increasing voter participation, especially in underserved areas. These efforts ensure that Native voters in Louisiana are engaged and recognized as an important voting bloc.

Moving forward: Ensuring every Native vote counts

Louisiana’s Native communities face unique challenges in accessing the ballot box. From geographic isolation to the invisibility of Native voters in state data, there is much work to be done to gain fair representation. But tribes can help their members not be left behind in the political process.

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Brandi Liberty is an enrolled member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska and a descendant of the United Houma Nation in Southern Louisiana. She is the owner of The Luak Group and its subsidiary...