BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — For their efforts in working with North Dakota tribal nations to ensure their voters are verified and have valid identification to vote, the American Bar Association (ABA) Task Force on American Democracy is honoring North Dakota Native Vote with this year's Unsung Heroes of Democracy award.

“The award is for upholding the rule of law and promoting democracy,” said Nicole Donaghy, executive director of ND Native Vote. “We have worked with all tribes to ensure that there are fewer barriers for our people to vote and get to the polls.”

Since 2004, all voters in the state of North Dakota have been required to show a valid ID in order to vote. The state legislature passed a new voter ID law in 2016 that limited the types of ID accepted. The law has been challenged in court.

However, shortly before the 2018 election, the Supreme Court decided not to overturn North Dakota's voter ID law. Following the court's decision, the nonpartisan organization North Dakota Native Vote was founded.

Donaghy says her organization has been busy educating Native American voters across the state about North Dakota's voter ID law and informing them how to register to vote.

“The voter ID law would have resulted in about 5,000 Native Americans losing their right to vote,” she explained. “That law is still in effect, and that's why North Dakota Native Vote exists – so we can work with our Native communities, build voter confidence, and make sure our people know what's on the ballot.”

Donaghy added that North Dakota Native Vote is also receiving the award for its work advocating for equal access to polling places for Native American voters and to continue its efforts to fight what it sees as “discriminatory voter ID laws.”

North Dakota Native Vote will officially accept the award later this month at the ABA conference in Chicago.