300 WW II Vets Not Allowed to Vote in Cherokee, N.C., 1946

“Clark Orders Probe of Refusal to Register Cherokee Indians” from the Monday, June 10, 1946, issue of The Robesonian, Lumberton

To Investigate Protest of Indians, Including 300 War Veterans, That they Were Denied Registration for Primary

Washington, June 10—Attorney Tom Cark today ordered a complete investigation of complaints that some election officials are refusing to permit North Carolina Cherokee Indians including 300 war veterans to register voters.

Clark said the civil liberties section of the justice department’s criminal division will make the investigation.

He said this action follows complaints filed with the department of justice by the American Legion’s Steve Youngdeer post at Cherokee, N.C. The complaints were made in a letter signed by the post commander and four members.

“It is claimed by the Youngdeer post representatives,” Clark said,” Clark said, “that among the Indians deprived of their right to register are 300 honorably discharged veterans of World War 2.

“The complaints further allege that efforts to register were made during recent registration periods by some wounded Indian ex-service men but they were not allowed to do so. It is also contended that the rejected applicants to register are qualified to vote under the North Carolina Law.”