Native Vote 2012

Navajo President Shelly Signs Law Changing Election Dates

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly signed into law today a bill that makes it easier for Navajos to vote in Arizona primaries.

President Ben Shelly

“I want to support Navajo voters and make it easier for them to vote,”

President Shelly said during a signing ceremony at his office yesterday morning.

The President signed Legislation 0414-11, which was sponsored by Council Delegate Lorenzo Curley. The legislation changes the Navajo primary election date to coincide with the state of Arizona primary election dates.

President Shelly said he wants to help Navajo voters vote in Arizona primary elections.

The President said one reason he signed the legislation was because some Navajo voters vote in Navajo primary elections but don't participate in state elections.

“They think they already voted, so they don't vote again,”

the President said.

In 2010, Arizona state officials stated about 30 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the primary elections in Apache, Navajo and Coconino counties.

About a dozen people witnessed the signing. They included Apache county officials and council delegates.

posted February 15, 2012 6:00 am est