GRIC Voter Turnout Showed Mixed Progress in 2024
The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) saw a voter turnout of 49% for the 2024 election, according to data provided by Arizona State University’s Indian Legal Clinic. The result from the Nov. 5th election was slightly lower than the Community’s 50% turnout in 2020, but better than the 47% turnout in 2016. While the numbers show steady participation during presidential elections, GRIC still trailed several other Arizona tribes, including the Navajo Nation, which had a 59.67% turnout, and the Ak-Chin Indian Community, which reached 62%.
GRIC voters are divided between Pinal County and Maricopa County. The Pinal County precincts are: Blackwater 60, Sacaton 29, San Tan 61 and Casa Blanca 62. The Maricopa County locations are Komatke – 425 and Pee-Posh – 629.
Statewide, slightly below 80% of all registered voters went to the polls this year, about the same as in 2020.
A closer look at GRIC’s turnout in 2024 reveals differences among the community’s voting districts:
● Blackwater: 52% turnout (459 ballots cast out of 881 registered voters)
● Maricopa Colony: 52% turnout (230 ballots cast out of 444 registered voters)
● Sacaton: 50% turnout (537 ballots cast out of 1,133 registered voters)
● Santan: 49% turnout (487 ballots cast out of 1,000 registered voters)
● Casa Blanca: 47% turnout (504 ballots cast out of 1,071 registered voters)
● Komatke: 43% turnout (385 ballots cast out of 698 registered voters)
Blackwater and Maricopa Colony had the highest turnout, with 52% of registered voters participating. Meanwhile, Komatke recorded the lowest turnout at 43%. The Indian Legal Clinic analysis reports that 5,456 members who live within the Community’s borders have registered to vote with 2,648 ballots cast.
“In very close elections, tribal voter turnout can be a real difference maker,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis. “Because the Community has many more younger voters than some of our Arizona sister tribes, it can be difficult to drive higher turnout. No matter the challenges, I’m proud of the thousands of Community members who took the time to vote in 2024.”
GRIC leaders and the Community Public Affairs Office (CPAO) worked together to engage voters ahead of the 2024 election. Efforts included voter registration drives, a voter education guide, and a “Get Out the Vote” rally featuring Arizona leaders like Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes. These initiatives aimed to energize registered voters and emphasize the importance of the Native vote in a critical swing state.
Ultimately, Donald Trump won the state of Arizona by a margin of about 187,000 votes.
Voter turnout varied significantly among different Arizona tribes. Both the Tohono O’odham Nation and Kaibab Paiute tribes also showed high participation rates, each with a 63% turnout. The Ak-Chin tribe followed closely with a 62% turnout. The Pascua Yaqui tribe had a turnout of 54%, while Fort McDowell, San Carlos, and White Mountain each had a turnout of 53%. The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community had a 52% turnout, and the Gila River Indian Community had a 49% turnout. Lower turnout rates were observed in the Hualapai and Havasupai tribes, with 39% and 37% respectively.
Gov. Lewis, who has testified before Congress regarding the challenges faced by Native voters, cited multiple obstacles that can drive down voter turnout, including a lack of traditional street addresses, which complicates voter registration, and the inaccessibility of many polling places.
“Despite the barriers we face, voting is a powerful act of sovereignty and self-determination,” said Gov. Lewis. “Every vote cast by a tribal member strengthens our fight for equity, justice, and resources our Community and Indian Country deserves.”