Carter Center Issues Final Report On Cherokee Nation Elections Last Year

The Carter Center has released its final report regarding the Cherokee Nation's 2011 principal chief election in 2011 and in that report, issued a list of recommendations and changes before another election is held next year.

Thursday, March 15th 2012, 10:44 am

By: News On 6


The Carter Center has released its final report regarding the Cherokee Nation's 2011 principal chief election in 2011 and in that report, issued a list of recommendations and changes before another election is held next year.

The report, titled "The Carter Center Limited Observation Mission To The Cherokee Nation Special Election for Principal Chief" says throughout the election process, the Cherokee Nation's Election Commission was strained by a series of last minute court ruling, but it still managed to hold an election that followed the law.

Read "The Carter Center Limited Observation Mission To The Cherokee Nation Special Election For Principal Chief."

In November 2011, Chief Bill John Baker was inaugurated as the tribe's principal chief. It took months of controversy, two elections, and multiple recounts before Baker could take office.

During the middle of that process, the Cherokee Nation's Election Commission asked the Carter Center to observe the election process.

The Center says in their report, there exists a communication gap between the Cherokee Nation Election Commission and the Tribal Council regarding the creation of election-related legislation.

The Carter Center listed nine conclusions and recommendations that must be implemented before 2013.

  • Communicate with the Cherokee Nation Election Commission when drafting election-related legislation.
  • Modify the current electoral code.
    • Require the CNEC to carry out voter education efforts.
    • Ensure poll watchers can be present during all phases of the electoral process.
    • Clarify what identification voters must present to vote on election day.
    • Clarify the process for casting challenged ballots, particularly in regard to people who are noted to have requested absentee ballots.
    • Ensure that adequate dispute resolution mechanisms are in place.
    • Consider creating a single constituency for the principal chief.
    • Regulate the use of absentee ballots
  • Update the voters roll.
  • Conduct a more robust voter education and outreach program.
  • Inform voters of the proper identification needed to vote.
  • Establish clear, written criteria for all aspects of the counting process — especially regarding challenged and outstacked ballots.
  • Permit candidates to have poll watchers present during all phases of the electoral process, including counting and any subsequent review.
  • Participate more actively in the data entry process for absentee ballots.
  • Advise appropriate authorities of the errors made by notaries.
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