Tribal members in Montana

Six members of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana have filed a lawsuit against state and county officials, alleging insufficient in-person voting locations on their reservation. They are demanding the establishment of satellite voting offices to facilitate late registration and early voting, as the nearest election office is a 60-mile round trip, which poses significant barriers due to limited transportation options and financial constraints. The lawsuit comes just weeks before a crucial presidential election, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans regarding equal voting access. Historical context reveals that despite having U.S. citizenship for over a century, many tribal members still struggle with voting logistics, especially in rural areas. The plaintiffs, backed by attorney Cher Old Elk, argue that the lack of accessible voting options forces individuals to choose between essential needs like food and transportation to vote. The outcome of this case could greatly influence voting access for tribal members on the Fort Peck Reservation.