Navajo Election Day Disrupted by Printer Errors: Long Lines and Lawsuit for Voting Extension

As temperatures fell in the closing hours of polling, voters in Apache County faced significant delays in casting their ballots. Leaders from the Navajo Nation are urging judicial intervention to extend polling hours amid rising frustrations.

The Chinle polling site, located on the Navajo Nation, has seen long lines due to ballot machine malfunctions and miscommunications with voters. One individual described the situation as “a mess,” while others expressed their determination to remain in line despite the cold.

By sunset, the line at the Chinle site stretched into the gravel parking lot, as the temperature dipped into the 40s.

Sadie Red Eagle and Shandiin Herrera, volunteers with the Arizona Native Vote Protection Project, reported that the polling site didn’t open on time. They arrived at 6 a.m., only to see voters waiting in the dark until the location opened around 6:15 a.m.

Further complications arose when Red Eagle noted a shortage of printed ballots and malfunctioning machines at Chinle and several other sites, including Many Farms, Wheatfield, Cottonwood, and Round Rock. This resulted in significant confusion as voters from nearby locations were redirected to Chinle.

“Poll workers have been incorrectly advising voters that they cannot cast their ballots here, which is not in accordance with the law,” Red Eagle explained.

The difficulties with on-demand ballot printers led Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren to file an emergency lawsuit requesting a two-hour extension for voting in Apache County. “The Navajo people represent a significant voting demographic and have the potential to influence election outcomes,” Nygren stated. “It’s crucial that our voters are not discouraged by these setbacks.”

Nygren emphasized that the technological issues have disproportionately impacted Navajo voters. He warned that failing to extend voting hours could disenfranchise many. “If Navajo Nation members are unable to participate, our collective voice in advocating for essential resources is weakened,” he added.

His office has advised affected voters to contact the Native Vote Hotline at 1-888-777-3831 for assistance. Currently, it remains unclear how many voters have been impacted, as Apache County encompasses 44 precincts and has approximately 54,000 registered voters.