Wisconsin Native Vote Targets Indigenous Voter Turnout

Organizers are using community outreach and local events to boost Indigenous participation in the state's upcoming election.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Native American

Screen-print poster illustration of a traditional drum on a bench in an autumnal forest, representing Indigenous community voter mobilization. — Wisconsin Native Vote is conducting extensive outreach and mobilization efforts across the state to boost participation among 70,000 Indigenous voters. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wisconsin Native Vote is ramping up mobilization efforts to reach the state's 70,000 Indigenous voters. Strategies include door-knocking, mailing 2,600 postcards, and hosting events like a planned Milwaukee fashion show.

Why it matters

Indigenous voters could serve as a deciding factor in the competitive race between Tom Tiffany and David Crowley. With Wisconsin's history of close margins, increasing turnout in tribal communities remains a strategic priority.

Turnout in the Menominee community surged 81% between 2023 and 2025, following a 220% increase since 2019. Wisconsin currently holds approximately 70,000 Indigenous voters compared to 310,000 in Arizona.

The players

Wisconsin Native Vote

This organization leads efforts to increase voter turnout and civic engagement within Indigenous communities across Wisconsin.

Tom Tiffany

He is a candidate currently involved in a close political race that Indigenous organizers hope to influence.

David Crowley

He is a political candidate competing in the state election where Indigenous voter turnout is expected to play a role.

The details

Volunteers and organizers are utilizing social media campaigns, direct community events, and advertising along I-43 to reach potential voters. The initiative follows successful mobilization efforts at the Forest County Potawatomi Community Center.

2019 served as the baseline for the Menominee tribal community's 220% turnout growth.
2020 Indigenous votes helped secure the presidential victory in Wisconsin.
2022 marked a target year for volunteers sending postcards to intermittent voters.
2023 provided the baseline for recent turnout increase statistics.
October 30, 2026, is the date for an upcoming Indigenous fashion show in Milwaukee.

Culture Shift

This mobilization effort mirrors the strategic importance placed on tribal turnout during the 2020 Wisconsin presidential election. It reflects a shift toward sustained, long-term political engagement in tribal communities rather than temporary awareness campaigns.

Residents in the Milwaukee area may notice new advertising along I-43 and increased local event participation. These activities are designed to simplify the voting process through direct outreach and increased awareness of registration deadlines.

The takeaway

Organizers highlight that consistent engagement is key to maintaining the high turnout growth observed since 2019. Voters in these communities are encouraged to participate in local events to ensure their voices are represented at the polls.