Navajo Voters Overcome Floods and Road Woes to Make It to the Polls

The Navajo Reservation’s recent election period was marked by significant challenges, including severe floods that disrupted daily life. Despite these obstacles, the community showed resilience and determination to participate in the voting process.

This fall, persistent flooding in the southwestern region affected parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, leaving many roads impassable and residents displaced. Yet, voters made their way to the polls, arriving at places like the Dennehotso Chapterhouse in trucks with tires still caked in mud.

Dennehotso, surrounded by natural formations like Comb Ridge and Monument Valley, became a hub of community activity on election day. The gathering was marked by shared meals of fry bread and mutton stew, staples at Navajo polling sites.

Resident Urbina Yazzie, 27, expressed a sense of community spirit despite the unusual circumstances. “I love to see our people come out and talk amongst each other,” she said, noting the extraordinary efforts people made, including using tractors to navigate washed-out roads to vote.

The town had endured three floods in a month, with the most destructive beginning on October 22. Kev Woolboy, a local contractor, described the overwhelming force of the water that bypassed man-made dams, devastating homes and infrastructure.

“We have some man-made earth dams that were supposed to slow (the water) down,” Woolboy explained. “But there was so much rain, those earth dams didn’t stand a chance.”

Among those affected was 74-year-old Phyllis Yazzie, who recalled the moment she realized the danger. “And she says, ‘Auntie! You better get out of there!'” Yazzie recounted a warning call from her niece. She and her son sought refuge in their car, surrounded by rising water.

As the Yazzie family waited in their car, rescue efforts were underway. Woolboy, working with the Navajo Police Department, used an amphibious vehicle to reach those stranded. “I was jumping into the water and bringing the kids and some of the elders on board and helping them with their personal belongings,” he said.

The rescue operation was perilous, navigating through thick mud and water. Woolboy recounted, “I told the guys something doesn’t look right,” when they approached Yazzie’s house, realizing the road had disappeared in the flood.

As the community continued recovery efforts, election day saw volunteers and chapter employees facilitating access to polling stations, ensuring everyone could cast their vote. Among voters was 92-year-old Lilien Begay, who, despite losing her home and identification documents, remained steadfast in exercising her right to vote.

Her daughter, Vera Begay, emphasized the importance of this act, “She’s never missed her vote- all her life she’s come here for voting,” capturing the spirit of resilience and commitment in the face of adversity.

Throughout this challenging time, the community’s unity shone through. “It means a lot more to our people to come out and vote,” Urbina Yazzie stated, underscoring the significance of civic participation, even amidst crisis.