OCTOBER Newsletter
Your Vote Is Your Voice! Get Your Ballot In Early!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and the decisions on this ballot will shape our communities for years to come. From school funding to housing to Tribal sovereignty, the people we elect make choices that touch every Native family in Oregon and Washington. Our voices matter and our votes are how we make sure we are heard!
This year, timing matters more than ever. Mail is moving slower, and we don't want a single ballot from our community to arrive too late. If you plan to mail your ballot, return it as soon as you can. Even better, use an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes are a secure way to return your ballot, and ballots deposited there by the applicable deadline are collected by election officials.
Tell a friend. Text your cousin. Remind your auntie. Offer a ride to the drop box. Many of us know someone who hasn't voted before or isn't sure where to start. A simple reminder from someone they trust can help make sure they have the information they need to participate.
Let's make sure every eligible voter has the information they need to make their voice heard!
WASHINGTON ENDORSEMENTS
OREGON ENDORSEMENTS
GET TO KNOW THESE NATIVE CANDIDATES ON THE NATIONAL BALLOT
This November, Native candidates across the country are running for some of the highest offices in their states and in Congress. Here are three to know.
HOW DOES RANKED CHOICE VOTING WORK?
Ranked choice voting is now used to elect Multnomah County leaders, and it's simpler than it sounds. Instead of choosing just one candidate, you rank candidates in order of preference, with your favorite as your first choice.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those votes transfer to voters' next choices. This process continues until one candidate receives a majority.
Fill in one bubble per column and row. You can rank as many, up to six, or as few candidates as you like, and ranking additional choices will not hurt your first choice.
Watch this short videoo for a quick walkthrough before filling out your ballot.
RSVP: Community Conversation with Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, 10/14
NAYA Family Center is hosting a community conversation with Congresswoman Maxine Dexter on Wednesday, October 14th at 3:30 pm.
You are all invited to join us and hear about her priorities, share yours, ask questions, and advocate for your top issues.
Please RSVP below by 10/7.
VOTE NO ON I-001 & I-638 IN WA
On September 17, 2026, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) passed a resolution entitled "Opposition to Washington Initiatives I-001 and I-638 and Support for the Safety and Dignity of All Children."
This November, Washington voters will decide on two harmful ballot measures. I-001 removes common sense school records protections. It strips away protections for students facing bullying, discrimination, or domestic violence at home.
I-638 would require invasive physical exams for all girls playing school sports. Both measures put our young people at risk, especially our 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
NAYA Action Fund joins the No Hate in WA State coalition in opposing both measures and stands with our community in protecting Washington's students.
NAYA Action Fund's work is made possible by our generous network of donors and funders.
With your generous support, NAYA Action Fund provides tools to shape public policy, cultivates leadership development, and works to elect champions who support policies improving the lives of the Native community. Our vision of systemic change is youth centered, family driven, and elder guided.
Discover more about our work and how you can contribute by visiting our website at www.nayaaction.org, making a donation at www.nayaaction.org/donations, or clicking the link below.