TAHLEQUAH -- As a service to Cherokee citizens in the area, the Cherokee Nation Election Services Office has provided questions and answers for the 1999 tribal election.
Beginning Feb. 1, candidates will have 10 days to file for tribal offices. Cherokee voters will vote to fill 15 council seats in nine districts in northeastern Oklahoma along with principal chief and deputy chief positions on May 22.
March 1 is the deadline for Cherokee citizens to register to vote in the May 22 election. A runoff, if necessary, is scheduled for July 24.
The following questions and answers were provided by the Cherokee Nation Election Services Office:
What is required to vote?
Your name must be in the precinct book where you are attempting to vote.
How do I get my name in the precinct book?
You must fill out a voter registration application.
What is required to fill out a voter registration application?
You must have valid Cherokee tribal membership and be 18 years old.
Can relatives help fill out a voter registration application?
Yes, if the voter makes his or her mark (signs with an 'X') two witnesses who know him or her must witness the mark and sign the application for voter registration to vote at the bottom of the application. The application cannot be accepted with a mark if it is not witnessed by TWO witnesses.
What is the Blue Card?
The Blue Card is a Cherokee Nation Membership Card.
What is the White Card?
The white Card is a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or a CDIB card.
Is a voter card required to vote?
No card is required to vote, but to further simplify the identification process for voting, red voter cards will be supplied to qualified voters and mailed to the address provided to the Election Services Office as of March 1. The card will list the voter’s name and address, district and precinct location and note if an absentee ballot has been requested by the voter. It is also a good idea for voters to take their red voter card and their identification to the precinct on the day of the election.
What about absentees?
Absentee ballots must be requested for each new election year. If you request an absentee for a primary election, you will automatically get an absentee for the runoff.
When can I request an absentee for the 1999 election?
February 1, 1999, until April 9, 1999.
Where can I request an absentee for the 1999 election?
By Mail:
Cherokee Nation Election Commission
P.O. Box 1188
Tahlequah, OK 74465.
In person:
Cherokee Nation Election Services office located south of the tribal complex in the building formerly occupied by the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop.
On the Internet:
You may print the absentee request form via internet and mail to:
Cherokee Nation Election Commission
P.O. Box 1188
Tahlequah, OK 74465.
What information do I need to send to get an absentee?
Under the Election Law, the request for absentee must be in writing and shall have the following information:
- Name (printed or typed)
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Cherokee Nation Membership registration (Blue Card#)
- Signature
- A phone number is optional but could be helpful if available.
If Cherokee citizens want to make sure they are qualified to vote, or need more information, they may call 1-800-353-2895.