Tribal Election Board Certifies Election of Judges and Referendums
Jun 26, 2013
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal election results for Chief Judge, two Traffic Court Judges and the two referendum questions held on June 1, 2013 have been certified. The certification process and announcement of the official results were delayed due to an appeal filed on June 4, 2013.
Peter J. Herne was successful in his re-election to the Chief Judge position with 531 votes. Danielle Lazore-Thompson received 417 total votes. Various write-in candidates received 12 votes total. For Chief Judge, one ballot was spoiled and 42 were void.
Steven B. Cook retained his position as Traffic Court Judge #1 with 875 votes. Various write-in candidates received 28 votes, no ballots were spoiled and 96 were void.
Lois Terrance was re-elected to Traffic Court Judge #2 with 855 votes. Various write-in candidates received 32 votes, one ballot was spoiled and 106 were void.
Tribal voters also cast ballots on two referendum questions.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE ST. REGIS MOHAWK TRIBAL COUNCIL ADOPTING THE TRIBAL PROCEDURAL ACT?
The measure was approved, with 648 votes for, 274 votes against and with one spoiled and 74 ballots void. The Tribal Procedural Act replaces the previous 1994 Procedures Act and adds amendments that make it less burdensome for members to initiate petitions to enact laws, reject laws and place questions before the membership in a referendum process. It also makes actions of the Tribal Council more transparent by requiring the Council to conduct its business through regularly scheduled meetings that are open to membership. The amendments also require a series of public meetings to review and receive public comments on the annual budgets and set forth standards allowing members access to public tribal records. And, perhaps most importantly, the amendments require that future amendments be adopted by referendum.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE’S COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER PROJECT?
This venture was approved, with 763 votes for, 197 votes against and with no spoiled and 25 ballots void. The positive response gives Tribal Council approval to seek funding and plan for the construction of a multi-purpose community recreation center to provide a venue for performing arts, cultural, educational and recreational activities.
The June 1, 2013 Tribal Election for the positions of Chief and Sub-Chief were declared null and void due to an appeal filed on June 4, 2013. After reviewing the relevant evidence and the sworn testimonies of several community members, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Election Board was satisfied with the evidence provided. The basis of the appeal filed by a community member is that eligible voters were found to be in possession of campaign paraphernalia at time they were casting their electoral votes. Two other points noted in the appeal did not prove to be in violation of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Election and Referendum Ordinance TCR 2103-21. A special election is scheduled for July 13, 2013 for the positions of Chief and Sub-Chief.
Chief Judge Peter J. Herne and Traffic Court Judges Steven Cook and Lois Terrance will take their oaths of office on July 1, 2013. The new Tribal Police Commissioners will also be sworn in at that time. The Tribal Judges will be acknowledged during the annual inauguration celebration which will take place following the certification of the Special Election results.
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For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.