Tribal Election Board Notice to the Community

Apr 1, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Pandemic, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe continues to implement protective measures to ensure the ongoing health, safety and well-being of the Akwesasne community at-large. There is now one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community as well as two people who are in self-isolation.

As a result of on-going protective measures as they relate to COVID-19, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Election Board (“Election Board”) held a special meeting to determine the best way to move forward with the Annual Caucus and Election while protecting Community Members.

After deliberating and seeking recommendations from the Emergency Office, the Election Board has decided to postpone the Annual Caucus and Election until the State of Emergency is lifted. Based on what we now know about COVID-19, the Election Board believes it is best to avoid large gatherings and the need to leave home to caucus or vote. Therefore, the Caucus originally scheduled for May 2, 2020 and the Election originally scheduled for June 6, 2020, are postponed until the State of Emergency is lifted.

The Election Board remains committed to holding an Annual Election as long as the health, safety, and welfare of everyone can be assured. The Election Board shall call a Special Election after the State of Emergency is lifted. At that time, it will hold the election for a Tribal Chief, Sub-Chief and Traffic Court Judge (1) as well as hold the Referendum regarding the proposed name change of the Tribe.

Once a Special Election is called, the Election Board will issue a press release with the schedule for Caucus and voting.

The Election Board will continue to monitor the situation and will revisit its decision if the Declared State of Emergency is lifted or modified. The safety and health of Community Members remains the focus and priority while maintaining the integrity of any election.

Please read the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website, Facebook page or listen to CKON for updates. You can email inquiries to the Executive Assistant/Board Liaison, Cathy Mitchell at cathy.mitchell@srmt-nsn.gov.

#####