Pima County’s Native Elections Official Shatters Voting Barriers

As Arizona’s primary elections approached, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly embarked on a grassroots canvassing effort in Three Points, a conservative rural community. Accompanied by her sister Elisa, the pair distributed flyers for Cázares-Kelly’s re-election campaign, engaging with voters in a region where approximately 5,000 residents reside amidst the Sonoran desert landscape.

Using a canvassing application tailored for identifying registered Democrats, Cázares-Kelly made strategic stops, leaving campaign materials when residents were unavailable. Her efforts were not just about her campaign; she also advocated for her friend April Ignacio, who is running for a seat on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Together, they aim to increase Indigenous representation in a county where only about 4 percent of residents identify as Indigenous.

At one household, Cázares-Kelly met a woman who expressed her struggles with voting rights due to past felonies. Instantly, Cázares-Kelly shifted the discussion to education about restoring voting rights, citing a free legal clinic that could assist the woman. Conversations like these, she noted, felt like small victories, especially in underserved communities where political outreach is rare.

Cázares-Kelly’s focus extends beyond personal re-election; she recognizes the power of Indigenous voters to influence outcomes in a battleground state. In 2020, a surge of support from Native communities bolstered Democratic candidates, suggesting their votes could be pivotal in close contests. As the upcoming presidential election looms, Cázares-Kelly is determined to facilitate voter participation, ensuring every eligible resident is informed and ready to cast their ballot.

During her canvassing, she encountered varied opinions on mail-in voting, particularly from an older resident who expressed skepticism influenced by misinformation from former political figures. Cázares-Kelly passionately reassured her of the reliability of mail-in ballots, emphasizing the importance of trust in the electoral process.

Cázares-Kelly’s journey into politics stems from personal experiences and frustrations with systemic barriers faced by Indigenous voters. In her early career at Tohono O’odham Community College, she stumbled into voting rights activism while assisting in voter registration efforts. The challenges she encountered during this process illuminated the obstacles faced by voters on tribal lands, propelling her to advocate for improvements in the system.

Her unexpected entry into the political arena led to a successful 2020 campaign that saw her elected as Pima County’s first Indigenous recorder. With community ties solidified through grassroots advocacy, Cázares-Kelly’s candidacy resonated strongly, culminating in a win by over 80,000 votes. Support for her campaign was notably rooted in longstanding relationships within her community.

Now, as she gears up for another election cycle, Cázares-Kelly actively participates in community events, offering insights into voting logistics and advocating for voter accessibility. She notes the necessity of tailoring outreach efforts to accommodate diverse community needs, emphasizing that understanding these dynamics can facilitate greater participation.

Beyond education and outreach, Cázares-Kelly has made strides to ensure that her office supports all voters, enhancing resources for those with disabilities and implementing more accessible voting practices. For instance, initiatives to provide ballot-marking devices for individuals with disabilities are a testament to her commitment to inclusivity in the electoral process.

As she engages with students in political training programs, Cázares-Kelly shares her personal story of activism, highlighting the impact her grandmother had on her understanding of voting rights. This generational legacy continues to fuel her passion for making a difference in her community.

Looking forward, Cázares-Kelly remains optimistic about the potential for change and the importance of empowering Indigenous communities through active political participation. While speculation grows about her future political aspirations, she insists that her focus will remain on serving her current role effectively.

As her campaign continues, Cázares-Kelly remains energized, underscoring, “There is so much work to do.” With an unwavering commitment to civic engagement and representation, she aims to bridge the gap between the electoral process and the voices of those often overlooked in it.