Federal Judge Strips Voting Rights from Reservation Residents
A ruling in the circuit court mandates that Indigenous people living on reservations are ineligible to vote in Washington elections.
Yakima, Nov 1.—Judge E. C. Smith, of the circuit court, today decided that Indians dwelling on reservations had no right to vote in the coming election. He based his decision on the fact that they are residing on ground which is subject to governmental jurisdiction alone, and as the state has nothing to do with Indians they cannot vote in it.
“Judge E. C. Smith, of the circuit court, today decided that Indians dwelling on reservations had no right to vote.”
This ruling highlights the complex and often exclusionary legal landscape surrounding the status of tribal members in the late 19th century. It is a stark reminder of the long legal fight for Indigenous suffrage and sovereignty in Washington.
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