Each year, CPN’s Tribal election takes place on the last Saturday in June at the Family Reunion Festival. Here are some things you might need to know about this year’s election.
What’s on the ballot?
This year, the office of CPN Tribal Chairman is up for election, with candidates including current Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett and challengers Steve Castaneda and Charles Scott.
Legislative seats are also on the ballot. District 2’s Eva Carney and District 4’s Jon Boursaw drew no other candidates to run against them, therefore winning their races unopposed.
However, District 3 and District 1 are both losing the incumbent legislators that have occupied those seats, with Bob Whistler retiring in District 3 and Alan Melot deciding not to pursue another term in District 1.
District 1 candidates include Anna Johnson and Steve Livingston.
District 3 candidates include Jennifer Bertelsen, Brenda Trevino and Brian Walker.
See the map included with the story if you have questions about which district you live in.
Also on the ballot will be approval of CPN’s budget for the upcoming year.
Who is eligible to vote in the election?
Every member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to vote in the election.
How does voting work in person?
The election takes place each year on the last Saturday in June during the Family Reunion Festival.
All Tribal members who are of age may vote in person at Tribal Headquarters, located at 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, Oklahoma. Voting instructions will be provided at the polling location.
Polls will open at 7 a.m., Saturday, June 28, and will close at 2 p.m. Anyone in line to vote by 2 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote.
To vote in person, you must bring your Tribal ID to confirm that you are an enrolled member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation. (If you have an old Tribal ID that does not include a photo, you will also need to provide a second form of ID that includes a photo, such as a driver’s license.)
If you are physically unable to vote and need assistance, you may contact the Election Committee for assistance.
How do I vote if I can’t travel to Oklahoma?
If you aren’t able to vote in person, you may cast your vote by mailing in an absentee ballot. All Tribal members who are eligible to vote are also eligible to vote by absentee ballot.
If you did not receive a postcard to receive your ballot, you can go to cpn.news/ballotrequest to do so.
When you send your ballot request, it must be postmarked by no later than June 8.
Your ballot will be mailed out after May 1 and not later than June 20.
Once you receive your ballot, follow the provided directions to cast your vote. Absentee ballots must be mailed in time for the election committee to receive them by 10 a.m., Saturday, June 28.
If you do not send your ballot in time or forget to mail it, you can bring it with you to in-person voting to cast your vote at Family Reunion Festival on election day.
What happens after voting?
Results of the election will be announced the same day as in-person voting, Saturday, June 28, at General Council, held in FireLake Arena. The election results will also be published in the July edition of the Hownikan.
The winning candidates will be sworn in at General Council and take office immediately.
To win the election, a candidate must receive a majority of votes. If none of the candidates receives a majority, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will go to a run-off election, which will be held within 60 days of the June election. If there are three and the bottom two tie, then all three will be put on run-off ballot.
Why does your vote matter?
In the last Tribal election, fewer than 10% of Tribal members voted.
Voting is a civic duty, but also how citizens are able to have their voices heard.
What matters to you? Is it culture or language? Growth? Stability? Tribal sovereignty? By voting for the candidate or candidates you believe will help lead the Tribe, you play a part in shaping the future of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.