WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Council Delegates Otto Tso and Casey Allen Johnson joined Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren in signing Legislation 0232-24 into law, which authorizes an emergency appropriation of over $961,000 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Navajo Election Administration on Nov. 1.
In thanking the 25th Navajo Nation Council for their leadership, Nygren noted discussions with Controller Sean McCabe about promptly releasing funds to the election administration following the legislation's signing.
“Thank you, Council Delegate Tso, for your efforts in getting this legislation passed,” Nygren said.
Tso, who sponsored the legislation during the 2024 Fall Council Session, highlighted its aim to address urgent budget shortfalls to ensure operational readiness for the Nov. 5 general election and related activities in early 2025. The funding will support staffing, voter registration updates, accessibility, and logistical needs at polling sites across the Navajo Nation.
During the 2024 Fall Session, the 25th Navajo Nation Council passed the emergency legislation unanimously.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues for passing this legislation unanimously,” Tso said. “As lawmakers, we need to consider amending policy to ensure that the Election Administration receives full funding upfront, so they don’t have to request funds as elections approach.”
Tso also commended the Election Board and Administration for their collaboration with the Office of Legislative Council to meet the comprehensive needs for the general election.
Johnson underscored the importance of fully funding the Election Administration within the Navajo Nation Comprehensive Budget, stressing the need for safe, fair, and timely elections.
This election season is very important to the Navajo people,” Johnson said. “Get out and vote, and let’s make history.”
Navajo Board of Election Supervisors Chair Melvin Harrison thanked Tso for sponsoring the legislation and noted the significant voter turnout for early and absentee voting this year.
“As the Election Administration faced challenges from the Continuing Resolution, Council Delegate Tso stepped up to help," Harrison said. "Thanks to this funding, we can ensure a smooth election, and our staff won’t have sleepless nights."
NBOES member and Apache County Recorder Larry Noble thanked the Council for passing the legislation, calling it critical for supporting Election Administration staff.
“The need is there, and following through on this process is important," Noble said. "We’re doing this for the people."
The emergency funding ensures that the 2024 general election will proceed without disruption, as well as subsequent events like chapter inaugurations and voter registration updates in 2025.
