A sample ballot in the in the Yup'ik. Source: Alaska Division of Elections
A federal judge ordered the state of Alaska to do more to assist Native language voters in time for the November 4, 2014, election. Judge Sharon Gleason ruled for the Native plaintiffs in a decision from the bench earlier this month. She issued a written order on Monday outlining 21 steps the state must take to protect the rights of voters who speak Yupi'ik and Gwich’in. “We’re thrilled with the content of the interim order,” Natalie Landreth, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, told The Alaska Dispatch News. “This sets the standard for Native language speakers nationwide. This is going to set the standard for people on the Lakota reservations in South Dakota, it helps in the Southwest. She’s done something that’s really desperately needed.” The order in Toyukuk v. Treadwell will remain in effect through November 28. Get the Story:
Judge orders state to add language help for voters in Alaska villages (The Alaska Dispatch News 9/23)
Judge gives state its marching orders on helping Native voters (KTVA 9/23)
State Ordered to Improve Voting Materials for Alaska Natives (KYUK 9/22)
Judge rules in Alaska Native voting rights case (AP 9/22)
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