By Sandra Rambler
Bylas, AZ—For several days last week, the Graham County Democrats initiated a Voter’s Registration Drive which entailed information such as the low voter turnout of tribal members in the 2020 state and national elections.
The group was introduced at the Tribal Chairman’s Monthly Elderly Gathering on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., where a young tribal member Desirae Rambler introduced herself in her native San Carlos Apache language and in English to explain the group’s intention to help tribal members to register in the upcoming state and national election, which will also be held on the same day as the tribal election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. She further explained that tribal elders should continue to encourage their family members especially over 18 years old to vote in the upcoming tribal, state and national elections and that there were several people there to help with voter registration. The polling places for those residing in the Bylas District will be at the Robert Olivar, Sr., Learning Center, which is located next to the Ernest Stanley Memorial Gymnasium. People residing in the Peridot District can cast their votes at the San Carlos Housing Authority Building located off of U.S. Highway 70 on Moonbase Road.
The group was also introduced at the Vice Chairman’s Youth Connecting with Elders Dinner event at the Michael Noline Activity Center the same day at 6:00 p.m. in the Peridot District. Treasurer, Daniel Abney, spoke on behalf of Graham County Democratic Party Chairperson, Patty Cervantez, who was not able to attend due to other commitments and pointed out their initiative to have better communication between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Graham County Democratic Party. Mr. Abney invited tribal elders and anyone present over 18 years old to register and vote.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the group also met and set up a booth with tribal participants at the Bylas Wickiup Plaza to commemorate Native American Day “Recognizing 100 years of Citizenship and the Fight for the Right to Vote 1924-2024.”
In order to register, tribal members were encouraged to bring either their Tribal I.D. or C.I.B. or State I.D. or Driver’s Licenses.
Ms. Rambler commented, “We will register San Carlos Apache Tribal Members while recognizing our rich Apache history and resilience in honor of Native American heritage and self-determination.”
The group served Indian Tacos consisting of fry bread with chili beans and shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese with soda and water. Bylas District Candidates Jonathan Kitcheyan donated fifty $5 vouchers to Mona’s Grill and Theron Oliver came in person to encourage tribal members to take part in the tribal, state and national General Election and and assured them that their vote was very important.
For more information in the Bylas and Peridot areas residing within Graham County contact Desirae Rambler at (928) 475-4381 or by email at dbrambler27@gmail.com and leave a message. Graham County Democratic Party Chairperson Patty Cervantez can also be reached by email at countychair@grahamcountydomocraticparty.com and leave a message with her.
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