Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0094-26 July 2. The legislation appropriated over $201,000 to the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors to support election operations, complete the 2025 Navajo Nation Council Reapportionment Plan, and improve voter accessibility ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Council members reaffirmed the independence of the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors in administering fair and impartial elections while recognizing the need for continued coordination with the Council because the Election Administration doesn’t have a dedicated revenue source.
Council Delegate Carl R. Slater, sponsor of the legislation, said the funding will help ensure the election system is prepared to serve voters across the Navajo Nation.
“Our elections are critical, and this legislation provides the Election Administration and the Board of Election Supervisors with the resources they need to conduct an efficient and accountable election,” he said.“It supports the reapportionment plan, the upcoming election, and ensures our relatives with disabilities can fulfill their civic duty and participate with dignity.”
The appropriation supports Board operations and completion of reapportionment efforts. During Budget and Finance Committee review, over $201,000 was approved to improve accessibility through poll worker assistance, voting equipment, and accommodations for voters with visual, hearing, and other accessibility needs.
Council delegates also discussed polling locations, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, election security, staffing shortages, and long-term modernization. Delegate Shawna Ann Claw requested updates on voting locations in communities affected by facility closures, including Chinle, Ariz. Interim Election Director Veronica Curley said the Election Administration is working with chapters, schools, and community partners to identify accessible polling sites.
Election officials said the funding will strengthen voter assistance services, improve polling site accessibility, and expand Navajo language interpretation for elders and other voters who need assistance. Officials also reported improvements to election security through enhanced tracking of voting materials using secured containers and numbered lock seals.
Council delegates expressed concern over the continued vacancy of the Election Administration director position and encouraged long-term planning for future technology, staffing, and infrastructure needs.
The legislation passed by a vote of 16 in favor and none opposed; the Navajo Nation Council has final authority for the legislation.
The Navajo Nation primary election is July 21. Absentee voting began June 22, and the last day to sumbit an absentee ballot was July 6.
