Cherokee Nation Election Commission accepting absentee ballot requests

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Though still months away, the Cherokee National Elections are on the minds of many citizens, candidates, and the Cherokee Nation Election Commission as campaign season moves into the starting blocks.

The CNEC is already accepting requests for absentee ballots, and the candidate filing period is March 2-5.

“Candidate packets are available for all posts that are up for election,” said Connie Parnell, CNEC director.

“Anyone who is a Cherokee citizen is eligible to run for their respective offices. They can come by and pick them up. At-large voters – those living outside our districts – have the option of voting by mail or voting during the early walk-in absentee period.”

Parnell explained that the Cherokee elections permit “no-excuse” absentee balloting, meaning a voter need not show cause to vote absentee. Early walk-in balloting is on June 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election is June 27.

Registration for the 2015 national election closes March 31, and Parnell urged unregistered citizens, and those uncertain of their registration status, to register or clarify their standing.

“We ask everyone to check and make sure their registration is current,” Parnell said. “It is important that we have current street addresses so that people can vote in the correct districts or receive an updated voter card.”

The 2015 elections are for the seats of principal chief, deputy chief, and Tribal Council districts 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13 and 14. An at-large council post will also be contested.

Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts, former Principal Chief Chad Smith, and incumbent Principal Chief Bill John Baker have officially announced their candidacies for the tribe’s top administrative slot. State Rep. Will Fourkiller, and community organizer Charles Soap, founding director of Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, have indicated their intent to run for the post.

Though absentee applications are accepted until May 5, Parnell suggested they be returned as early as possible. Forms may be obtained at the CEC offices, 22116 S. Bald Hill Road. Applications are also available online at www.cherokee.org/elections.

Absentee ballots should be mailed to the CNEC at P.O. Box 1188, Tahlequah, Okla., 74465-0948.

“At least two mail transactions must be made,” Parnell said. “The Election Commission Office Board must mail the ballots to the voters, and the voters must return the voted ballots by mail.”

CNEC will commence the mailing of absentee ballots on May 26. The CNEC office should be contacted if a requested ballot does not arrive.

To be counted, the ballots must arrive at the CNEC by 7 p.m. on election day.

For further information about the Cherokee National Elections, call the CNEC at 918-458-5899 or 1-800-353-2895, visit www.cherokee.org/elections or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..