Get Out The Native Vote is a non-partisan effort in Alaska to mobilize Alaska Native and American Indian voters
VISION
Alaska Native Peoples are leaders in civic engagement and are powerful advocates for our communities.
MISSION
Through inspired leadership, voter education, and advocacy, Alaska Native Peoples lead the decisions that shape our world.
HISTORY
Get Out The Native Vote (GOTNV) became a Cook Inlet Tribal Council affiliate in 2020 and a program under the CITC umbrella in 2024. Previously, it was under the ANCSA Regional Association umbrella. GOTNV was founded with the belief that the right to vote is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy. GOTNV’s roots are in working to ensure every eligible Alaskan is registered to vote, and in removing barriers that prevent registered voters from casting their ballots. GOTNV endeavors that every Alaskan, regardless of background, engage in the civic process at the local and state level. Through nonpartisan outreach and education, has worked to remind low-propensity voters about upcoming elections and promote absentee voting.
In 2025, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), First Alaskans Institute (FAI), and Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand and strengthen the Get Out the Native Vote (GOTNV) efforts across Alaska. This milestone coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) on August 6, providing an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact this legislation has had on Alaska Native communities. The VRA was designed to eliminate discriminatory practices that historically disenfranchised communities of color across the United States.
In this strategic transition, AFN, FAI, and CITC will combine each organization’s unique strengths to develop a comprehensive plan for encouraging Alaska Native civic participation and expanding our collective reach to ensure our people’s voices are heard.
RESOURCES
“Too often, local, state and federal governments make decisions that affect every citizen, often without Native people at the table. It’s important that we exercise our rights, make our voices heard, and continue the fight for equality that so many Alaska Native leaders have pushed forward. We can do this by promoting civic engagement and Alaska Native leadership at all levels of government.”
– Gloria O’Neill
President/CEO, CITC
GOTNV was featured at AFN in October 2020. Check out the video here:
