Politics

Hobbs proclaims July 15 Native Right to Vote Day in Arizona

KJZZ | By Camryn Sanchez

Published July 15, 2026 at 5:48 PM MST

A billboard along East McDowell Road urges Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members to register to vote in 2024.

Gov. Katie Hobbs has issued a proclamation making July 15 Native Right to Vote Day in Arizona.

The proclamation states Native Americans faced struggles in accessing the ballot box for decades after they were officially recognized as citizens in 1924, when President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act into law.

Hobbs’ proclamation is meant to celebrate the “history, resilience and civic leadership of Native American voters.”

There are 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona.

Hobbs’ spokesperson Christian Slater said the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona requested the proclamation.

Ahead of Arizona’s primary election next Tuesday, the governor wrote the state will continue to ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

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