Tribal Election Board Certifies Election Results
Jun 14, 2019
All Positions Certified, Referendum Question Passes
Akwesasne, NY – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Election Board has certified the results from the June 1, 2019 election for the positions of Chief, Sub-Chief, Chief Judge and Traffic Court Judge #1.
Following the election, the Election Board received two separate appeals by the posted deadline. In accordance with Tribal Council Resolution 2019-03, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Election and Referendum Ordinance, the Election Board conducted hearings giving the appellants the opportunity to address and present evidence regarding their appeals.
One of the appeals was procedural regarding processes and actions during the election and requested a hearing with the Election Board. Despite being given an opportunity to be heard by the Election Board, the complainant failed to take advantage of the opportunity, leaving before the hearing could begin and waiving their right to a hearing.
An appeal involving the Chief Judge position focused on Section. V. A. 3., which states, “[Candidates] must be willing to sign an affidavit stating they…are a person of good character and sound judgment.” Based on the documentation and testimony given, the Election Board finds that there was a lack of evidence presented to substantiate the issues raised in the appeal. Having reviewed the supplementary materials provided following the hearing, it is clear that the issues raised in the appeal are unsubstantiated and should not be raised to question this individual’s eligibility to serve as Chief Judge in the future.
The two appeals were received, hearings held and appellants notified within the time limits required by the Ordinance. A third appeal was received by the Election Board on June 12, 2019 and was not considered as it was submitted three days past the deadline to receive appeals.
With the decision final and signed by each Election Board member, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe will welcome re-elected Chief Beverly Cook, newly elected Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock, re-elected Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, and re-elected Traffic Court Judge #1 Lois Terrance. Each will begin their three-year term after the completion of the Swearing-In Ceremony on July 1, 2019 at the Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron Tribal Administration Building.
Tribal Election Board Certifies Election Results (pdf version)