TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The candidates for Cherokee Nation principal chief are back on the campaign trail, hoping to reach even more voters before the Sept. 24 election.

Incumbent Chief Chad Smith and challenger Bill John Baker have resumed sending out emails and mailers to registered Cherokee voters, encouraging them to vote or send in absentee ballot requests by Aug 12, the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/qUAwkW ) reported.

Smith has opened a campaign office in south Tulsa.

“It's campaign season, folks,” said former Cherokee Nation chief Ross Swimmer, who hasn't publicly supported either candidate. “There are 3,800 at-large voters in the Tulsa area who didn't vote (in the general election). We've got to get out, work hard and get folks to the polls. This is serious stuff.”

The tribe's Supreme Court invalidated June 25 election results in the contest between Smith and Baker because justices couldn't determine with a mathematical certainty who won. The ruling followed multiple vote tallies that each came out with a different number. Baker had twice been declared winner, but so had Smith.

The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest tribes in the country, with about 300,000 members. The chief administers a $600 million annual tribal budget.

During a grand opening Thursday night, Smith campaign volunteer Paula Ragsdale encouraged visitors to take donation envelopes not only for themselves, but also for friends, neighbors and relatives.

“Take `em and give `em to anyone who's got money,” Ragsdale said. “Our grass-roots fundraising goal between now and election day is $100,000.”

The Baker campaign doesn't have any formal campaign events scheduled, but a fundraiser will be held in Tulsa on Aug. 16, hosted by Kalyn Free, a member of Baker's legal team.

According to campaign reports, the Smith campaign had more cash on hand at the end of the last reporting period in mid-July, $28,060. The Baker campaign reported a balance of $24,787.

Smith predicted he would be victorious.

“I love my work and I believe in our people,” he said.

Baker said through the ups and downs of the election, people have been praying for him.

“Their support's like adrenaline to me.”

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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com