Secretarial Election

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 - 10:03am

Absentee ballots were counted the afternoon of September 8 by members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Southern Plains Regional Office to determine the future process of Comanche Nation recall petitions.

The Certificate of Results of Election- Secretarial Election was released with the following, “Pursuant to a Secretarial Election authorized by Tim LaPointe, Acting Regional Director on July 10, 2017, the attached Amendment A to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was submitted to the qualified voters of the Comanche Nation on September 8, and was ratified by a vote of 787 for and 541 against with 6 cast ballots found separated or mutilated, in an election witch at least thirty percent (30%) of the 1,988 entitled to vote cast their ballots in accordance with Article XIII of the Constitution of the Comanche Nation. “

The voting results for Amendment B to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was also released through a Certificate of Results of Election- Secretarial Election.

“ Pursuant to a Secretarial Election authorized by Tim LaPointe, Acting Regional Director on July 10, 2017, the attached Amendment B to the Constitution of the Comanche Nation was submitted to the qualified voters of the Comanche Nation on September 8, and was ratified by a vote of 808 for and 548 against with 6 cast ballots found separated or mutilated, in an election witch at least thirty percent (30%) of the 1,988 entitled to vote cast their ballots in accordance with Article XIII of the Constitution of the Comanche Nation.”

Both Certificates of Results of Election- Secretarial Election was signed by members of the Comanche Nation Secretarial Election Board, Sherry Lovin-Chairperson, Vivian Holder- Board Member, Adele Mihesuah – Board Member, and Willie Pekah – Board Member.

“Stability is needed,” said Comanche Nation Chairman, William Nelson. “Stability is needed so the Comanche Nation can move forward in a positive direction.”

Article 8, Section 2 of the Comanche Nation Constitution will now read, “The Comanche Tribal Council may at a meeting duly called specifically for the purpose, recall any officer or committeemen for neglect of duty or conduct that has brought disrepute upon the tribe. Such a meeting shall not be unless a petition signed by 10% of the Tribal Council requesting recall is submitted to the Tribal Chairman. The Tribal Council shall consist of all members of the Comanche Nation who are eighteen (18) years of age or older. The recall of only one officer or committeemen may be initiated per meeting called for this purpose.”

Article 5, Section 3(c) will now read, “When he is so requested by a petition signed by 10 % of the Tribal Council setting forth the purpose of the meeting consistent with the constitution. The Tribal Council shall consist of all members of the Comanche Nation who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.”

Some tribal members complained about not receiving a request to receive a voting ballot, and others complained about the Comanche Nation Complex making registration packets available.

Other tribal members applauded the passing of the election, saying money was wasted on previous recalls, and it was long overdue.

 

-CN Public Information Office

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