Next on Native Bidaské: Power of the Native Vote: OJ Semans, Sr. on Protecting Voting Access in 2026

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching in November, Native voters could play a critical role in key races across the country.

On Friday, September 4, at noon ET, Native Bidaské host Levi Rickert will be joined by OJ Semans, Sr. (Rosebud Sioux) of Four Directions Native Vote – Indian Country for a conversation about protecting voting access and harnessing the power of the Native vote.

Semans, a longtime advocate for Native voting rights, will discuss the challenges Native voters face, including access to polling locations and mail-in ballots. He also shares strategies for tribes and Native organizations to help ensure voters can cast their ballots and have them counted, including voter registration efforts, ballot drop boxes and transportation to election offices.

The conversation also focuses on Native youth and their role in helping elders and relatives navigate voting systems. Semans emphasizes that young people aren’t simply future leaders, they are leaders now.

Semans and Rickert also examine the potential influence of Native voters in battleground states, where the Native vote could be large enough to affect the outcome of closely contested races.

For Semans, voting is ultimately about protecting tribal nations, treaties and sovereignty.

“I still want to encourage them because at the end of the day, that vote isn’t for you. That vote is for your tribe and your people,” Semans says.

The episode also highlights Four Directions Native Vote’s work to expand voting access on reservations, including successful legal efforts in Nevada and Montana.

As the midterms approach, Native voters are encouraged to register, make a voting plan and learn where candidates stand on issues affecting Indian Country.

Watch Native Bidaské Friday, September 4, at 12 PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.

Watch past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@NativeNewsOnline/streams