Joe Shirley Jr., right, and his running mate, Dineh Benally. Photo from Twitter
New Mexico newspaper urges members of Navajo Nation to vote in upcoming presidential election:
Now that a date has been set for the Navajo Nation presidential election, a major hurdle will be convincing voters to turn out and cast their ballots — again. Last month, the tribe's Office of the Speaker announced the presidential election will take place April 21 between Joe Shirley Jr. and Russell Begaye. While events surrounding the election have been mired in controversy, it seems the tribe is now on track to swear in a new president on May 12, more than nine months after the August primary election.
Russell Begaye, left, and his running mate, Jonathan Nez. Photo from Facebook
Upon learning the news, many people's first reaction, particularly on social media, was to state their intentions not to vote. "We already voted once," a typical comment read. "They didn't listen. Why should we do it again?" We know many people are unhappy with the way this election has played out. Many felt their voices and votes weren't heard. While it's easy to turn away in disgust and sink into apathy, that doesn't accomplish anything. Choosing not to vote is the lowest form of protest, if you can even call it that. Your voice definitely isn't heard, your opinions don't count and you're putting your fate in other people's hands.Get the Story:
Editorial: Vote on April 21 to determine tribe's fate (The Farmington Daily Times 3/3) Also Today:
Voter registration underway for April 21 Navajo Nation election (The Farmington Daily Times 3/3)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
Navajo Nation Supreme
Court issues decision in election dispute (02/23) Navajo Nation Supreme Court to issue ruling in election dispute (02/12)
Supporters of Chris Deschene still upset with handling of election (01/16)
Editorial: Enough is enough with Navajo Nation election drama (1/15)
Navajo Nation leader starts second term despite election loss (1/14)
Agreement reached for leader of Navajo Nation to stay in office (1/12)
President of Navajo Nation remains in office amid election delay (1/8)
Controversy continues over Navajo Nation presidential election (1/5)
Navajo Nation's highest court dismisses challenge to candidate (12/17)
Appeal set in dispute over Navajo Nation presidential hopeful (11/26)
Complaint against Navajo Nation presidential hopeful dismissed (11/24)
Blog: Play-by-play of election controversy on Navajo Nation (11/21)
Navajo Nation Council fails to override veto on language bill (11/14)
Navajo Nation Council to consider language requirement veto (11/13)
Navajo Nation schedules December 23 presidential election (11/10)
Navajo Nation candidate Russell Begaye names running mate (11/6)
Petition seeks removal of Navajo Nation presidential hopeful (11/4)
Andrew Curley: Election flap exposes troubles in Navajo Nation (11/3)
Navajo Nation postpones presidential vote as legal drama ends (11/3)
Chris Deschene still urging Navajo Nation voters to choose him (10/30)
Navajo Nation president vetoes bill to address language issue (10/29)
Navajo Nation election officials refuse to delay upcoming vote (10/28)
Navajo Nation candidate Chris Deschene won't halt campaign (10/24)
Navajo Nation's top court orders new ballots without candidate (10/23)
Christopher Chavis: Navajo court got it wrong in fluency case (10/22)
Navajo Nation presidential hopeful to be removed from ballot (10/22)
Navajo Nation court still mulling decision in presidential case (10/21)
Top Navajo Nation court holds hearing in presidential dispute (10/20)
Navajo presidential candidate Chris Deschene stays on ballot (10/14)
Navajo presidential candidate to dispute removal from ballot (10/10)
Navajo presidential candidate loses ruling over language ability (10/9)
Navajo Nation won't delay election despite presidential dispute (10/2)
Navajo presidential candidate in doubt over fluency in language (9/29)
Navajo Nation might postpone election due to legal challenge (9/25)
Navajo Nation court to hear language issue affecting candidate (9/24)
Appeal filed over Navajo language ability of presidential hopeful (9/17)
Navajo Nation presidential candidate a target over fluency issue (09/11)
Navajo voters oust incumbent president Ben Shelly in primary (08/27)
