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One hundred and thirty years after Native Americans were pushed
to isolated reservations, the Navajo people of Utah reclaimed
a place in the American political process.
In 1987, Navajo Mark Maryboy was elected a San Juan County
Commissioner and became the first Native American to hold
such a position in the state of Utah.
Calling it only a beginning, three years later Maryboy organized
the first all Native American slate for county office in the
history of the United States. Despite high racial tension,
thousands of Navajo voters traveled up to 80 miles to be a
part of an historic election.
While Maryboy was the only successful candidate that day,
his courage opened a door of political opportunity for the
Navajo.
This Utah Political Moment is just one reminder that each
vote is precious, and your vote this year will help write
the next page in Utah's history.
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