Results for Cherokee Chief May Not be Known Until October 10

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Counting Begins Oct. 8

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Voting was reportedly heavy by Cherokee Nation members on Saturday, September 24 as they cast their ballot for next Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. A recent court order added additional voting days for freedmen descendant citizens and stipulates that no ballots be counted until after the last voting opportunity on October 8.

"I think today's voting day went really smoothly. Judging by the higher in-person voter turnout, it seems Cherokee Nation citizens still have faith in the election process," said Susan Plumb, chairperson of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission. "The Election Commission has and will continue working tirelessly to preserve the integrity of this election."

According to the Cherokee Nation Election Commission, more than 8,700 ballots were cast during precinct voting and more than 1,100 citizens cast ballots during early walk-in voting. These are preliminary numbers that will be verified when the Commission tabulates the ballots after voting concludes on October 8.

The Cherokee Nation Election Commission said they would secure and safeguard the ballots with the help of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service until commissioners begin counting them on October 8. Commissioners have set a 48-hour time frame for announcing certification of the results. Official results will be announced within that window.

posted September 27, 2011 8:15 am edt