OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Message from Will Miller, Executive Director, NAYA Action Fund
Osiyo (Hello) Relatives,
As we approach this pivotal election, I want to remind you that this is not just another election — it is a critical moment that demands our collective power and engagement. From the presidential race down to our local city council, from ballot measures to city initiatives, every vote matters. This election season, we must show up, fully visible, and unapologetically engaged, ensuring that our Native voices are heard.
Voting is the backbone of our democracy. It is the most direct way for each of us to shape the policies and leadership that affect our communities and our future. Every vote amplifies our voice, ensuring that the needs, rights, and aspirations of our people are represented in decisions that shape our world for generations to come. When we vote, we are not just casting a ballot – we are exercising our collective power to protect our families, our land, and our future.
Representation matters. Native representation in government, at every level, ensures that our needs, our culture, and our future are reflected in policy decisions. Visibility matters. By exercising our right to vote, we make our communities and issues impossible to ignore. Our collective power matters. When we come together to vote, we leverage the strength of our ancestors and the hopes of future generations.
We know the data: Native people are one of the fastest growing voting blocks. Yet, our participation has historically been underrepresented. In recent years, we've witnessed Native-led efforts turn the tide in key elections. Now, more than ever, we must harness that momentum and build upon it. Voting is not just a right – it is an act of cultural survivance and a direct way to protect and uplift our communities.
NAYA Action Fund's mission is rooted in expanding political advocacy and building electoral power with and for our Native communities. This election let’s go beyond being mere participants. Let’s be champions for change. Let’s be culturally empowered and civically engaged, and connected to the legacy of our ancestors, who fought for our voices to be heard.
Join us in turning out for this election. Let's make our presence known, not as a statistic, but as a force for good. Vote for the candidates and measures that will protect our sacred lands, our children, our elders, and our futures.
Remember, when Native people vote, we create lasting generational change. Let's show up stronger than ever, empowered by our culture and united in our vision for a better tomorrow.
In Solidarity and Power,
Will Miller (Blackfeet/Cherokee)
Executive Director
NAYA Action Fund
william@nayaaction.org
Empowering Indigenous Voices: Meet Our Endorsed Leaders
At NAYA Action Fund, we proudly endorse candidates who are deeply aligned with our values, advocating for Indigenous rights, tribal sovereignty, and self-determination. These leaders are committed to ensuring that Native voices are not only heard but are central in shaping policy at all levels of government. By supporting candidates who fight for prosperity, cultural preservation, and the well-being of our communities, we are working to create a future where Indigenous rights are respected and uplifted. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for generations to come.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz: President and Vice President of the United States
Dan Rayfield: Oregon Attorney General
Elizabeth Steiner: Oregon State Treasurer
Annessa Hartman (Haudenosaunee, Cayuga Nation): Oregon State Representative, House District 40
Tawna Sanchez (Shoshone Bannock, Ute, and Carrizo): Oregon State Representative, House District 43
Chris Stearns (Navajo): Washington State Representative, Legislative District 47
Carmen Rubio: Mayor of Portland
Tiffani Penson: City of Portland, District 2
Shannon Singleton: Multnomah County Commissioner, District 2
Ballot Measure Information
As we approach the 2024 election, it's important to understand the ballot measures that will shape our future. These decisions directly impact our communities, from how our state governs to economic policies that affect every family. The ballot measures this year address key issues, including government accountability, electoral reform, workers’ rights, and environmental protections. Understanding these measures empowers us to make informed choices that reflect our values as Native people. Your vote is your voice – let’s make sure it's heard loud and clear this election!
Oregon State Ballot Measures
Oregon Measure 115: Impeachment of an Elected Official
Vote Yes: Allows the Oregon State Legislature to impeach and remove elected state executives, including the governor, for misconduct or neglect of duty. Oregon would no longer be the only state without an impeachment process, offering a quicker method for holding officials accountable.
Vote No: Opposes the creation of an impeachment process, meaning elected officials can only be removed through the current recall process, which is slower.
Oregon Measure 116: Independent Public Service Compensation Commission
Vote Yes: Creates an independent commission to set the salaries of public officials, ensuring more impartial and data-driven salary adjustments.
Vote No: Keeps the current system, where public officials set their own salaries.
Oregon Measure 117: Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)
Vote Yes: Implements Ranked Choice Voting for federal and state executive elections in Oregon, aiming to ensure winners have broader support by requiring a majority vote and reducing the “spoiler” effect.
Vote No: Keeps the current voting system, where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
Oregon Measure 118: Corporate Rebate Tax
Vote Yes: Increases the corporate minimum tax on sales over $25 million and redistributes the revenue to Oregon residents via annual rebates.
Vote No: Opposes the tax increase and rebate system, arguing that it may discourage corporate investment in Oregon.
Oregon Measure 119: Unionization of Cannabis Workers
Vote Yes: Requires cannabis businesses to enter into labor agreements with unions, making it easier for workers to organize and unionize.
Vote No: Opposes this requirement, allowing businesses to avoid labor agreements.
Washington State Ballot Initiatives
Washington Initiative 2117: Repeal of the Climate Commitment Act
Vote Yes: Repeals the Climate Commitment Act, potentially benefiting industries that find compliance costly by removing the state's carbon reduction framework.
Vote No: Keeps the Climate Commitment Act in place, preserving the state's cap-and-invest program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Washington Initiative 2109: Repeal of the Capital Gains Excise Tax
Vote Yes: Repeals the Capital Gains Excise Tax, reducing state revenue and potentially impacting funding for public services like education.
Vote No: Maintains the tax, ensuring continued funding for essential services.
Washington Initiative 2066: Natural Gas Policies
Vote Yes: Prevents future laws from limiting natural gas use, ensuring that utilities continue to provide natural gas to homes and businesses.
Vote No: Supports allowing future laws that could reduce natural gas use in favor of alternative energy sources.
Washington Initiative 2124: WA Cares Opt-Out
Vote Yes: Allows workers to opt out of the WA Cares Fund, a state-run long-term care insurance program, at any time.
Vote No: Maintains the current system, where workers are automatically enrolled with limited opt-out opportunities.
Rank Choice Voting
Our vote is our power! Election day is just around the corner, and we have a real chance to shape a future that reflects our values. Here’s what to remember:
Portland is using Ranked Choice Voting! Instead of picking just one candidate, rank your top favorites.
Measure 117 would expand Ranked Choice Voting to federal & state elections, giving us more voice across the board.
Need details? Visit portland.gov/vote for everything you need to know.
Let’s make our voices heard – vote today! #Vote2024 #RankedChoiceVoting #YourVoteMatters
