- Details
- By Levi Rickert
Native Vote 2024. A final national survey prior to Tuesday’s presidential election of 766 American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians show Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris edging Republican nominee Donald Trump 45% to 42% in a Native News Online poll among likely voters conducted in late October.
A previous poll released on October 22, 2024 showed Trump leading Harris 45% to 37% for Harris. Undecided likely voters account for 7% of respondents. None of the candidates garnered 5%.
The survey results don’t necessarily align with the attitudes of tribal leaders, who are supporting Vice President Harris. In mid-October 70 tribal leaders endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket. In a statement, the leaders said they commend her vision for Indian Country, which aims to support tribal families, strengthen nation-to-nation relationships, and create pathways for Native Americans to thrive.
Inflation Tops Issues
Native voters, like their non-Native counterparts, say high prices and the economy are issues they are concerned about as they decide on who to vote for in the presidential election. Trump voters (17%) are more concerned about high prices and inflation than are Harris supporters (13%).
Native American Issues
Harris supporters (14%) are more concerned with Native American issues than Trump voters (8%). Survey respondents said the top three Native American issues they are concerned with are: Protection of sacred sites, Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives, and tribal sovereignty.
Women’s Right to Choose
The number one issue Harris voters are concerned about is the women’s right to choose issue with 15% compared to only 2% for Trump supporters.
The Native News Online poll, with collaboration with the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, was conducted by a third-party source, Qualtrics, in order to reduce bias in the data.
Survey Methodology
Native News Online, in collaboration with the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, engaged with Qualtrics to conduct the survey.
During the 2024 election cycle, there will be four surveys conducted. The first survey became obsolete once President Biden pulled out of the presidential race.
The second survey results are published here. The third survey is being completed this week and the results will be published next week.
Funding for Native News Online’s election coverage, including our surveys, were made possible with funding from the MacArthur Foundation, National Congress of American Indians, and Four Directions - Native Vote.
Native News Online will conduct a post-election survey/poll to determine who Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians voted for in the November election.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Whtie House Tribal Nations Summit Set for Dec. 9
Brennan Center for Justice Study Shows Native Americans Vote at Lower Rates Than Non-Natives
'More Than Just Food' | Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace Offers Native Ingredients, Meal Kits for Every Table
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.