Proposed Major Changes to the Election and Referendum Ordinance
Sep 22, 2022
Referendum Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
The Tribal Election Board has worked diligently over the last several months to make changes to the Election and Referendum Ordinance that reflect recommendations from community members and will create more clarity when conducting future elections. The following are some of the significant amendments for your information:
CURRENT ORDINANCE: |
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: |
The Election Board consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. |
The Election Board will consist of 3 members and 2 alternates. |
Residency of Tribal Chief, Tribal Sub-Chief, and the Tribal Clerk is within the Reservation or defined by the Treaty of 1796. |
Residency will include a 15- mile radius of the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation in the US. |
The Caucus to nominate candidates for the Annual Election is on the first Saturday in May. |
The Caucus for the Annual Election will be held the third Saturday in April (or the second Saturday if there is a conflict due to a holiday). |
Community members can vote for a Write-In Candidates by indicating their choice on the ballot on Election Day. |
A formal procedure for Write-In Candidates has been developed. The Write-In Candidate must formally declare their interest in the position on a Statement of Write-In Candidacy. |
Appeals of Election Board decisions are conducted by the Board. |
An Appeal Panel will be created to review and make decisions on any appeals. The Appeal Panel ensures impartiality of decisions on an appeal. |
UPCOMING COMMUNITY HYBRID MEETINGS:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 @ 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022 @ 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Both meetings are in-person at Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron Tribal Administration Building or Zoom. If doing it by Zoom, you will need to register via the Tribal Members Portal for each meeting. A video recording of the first hybrid meeting held on September 15th is available to view on the portal.
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