TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation Election Commission mailed out absentee ballots to voters on April 25 and 26.
Voters who requested a ballot for the June 3 General Election but do not receive one are urged to contact the commission office at either 918-458-5899, 800-353-2895 or in-person at 17763 S. Muskogee Ave. in Tahlequah. Absentee ballot request forms were accepted between Jan. 1 and April 10.
Voters who receive absentee ballots are encouraged to return them as soon as possible.
“Absentee ballots that are returned by mail must be received by the Election Commission no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day,” a news release from the EC states. “The U.S. Postal Service recommends that voters mail their absentee ballots no later than Friday, May 19. According to the Election Law of Cherokee Nation, absentee ballots received after the deadline of 7 p.m. on Election Day in the Election Commission office will not be counted. Voters should consider the amount of time needed to vote their ballot, as well as the distance the ballot has to travel.”
The EC printed new absentee voting instruction cards to include a reminder that in addition to a notary’s seal, the notary’s signature is also required. The cards also explain how to vote and return the documents.
This year’s election will take place on June 3, a Saturday. The ballot will include principal chief, deputy chief and Tribal Council districts 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13 and 14, along with an at-large seat.
Voters residing within the jurisdictional boundaries may vote at their selected precinct, during early walk-in dates or by absentee ballot. At-large voting must be conducted with absentee ballots or by visiting the EC office during the early voting period, May 27, 30-31 and June 1.
An absentee ballot drop box will be located at the Election Commission office in Tahlequah. Ballots will be accepted from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 27, 30, 31, June 1 and 3 for the General Election.
If needed, a run-off election will be held on July 8, also a Saturday. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the run-off election is June 12. They will be mailed on June 19 and 20.
Early walk-in dates for that election are July 1, 4, 5 and 6.
To address problems or questions – in addition to the listed phone numbers and address – voters can contact the EC via email at election-commission@cherokee.org and through standard mail at Cherokee Nation Election Commission, Post Office Box 1188, Tahlequah, OK 74465-1188. For more information, visit the EC’s website at election.cherokee.org.
