Red Lake 2018 Election Schedule Set

The Red Lake Tribal Council at their February monthly meeting set the dates for the 2018 tribal election. All three officers and one representative from each of four districts will be elected or reelected to four-year terms. Two representatives from each community on the reservation, Little Rock, Red Lake, Redby and Ponemah, and three officers, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, make up the eleven member tribal council.

Do to the recent passing of Little Rock Representative Richard Barrett; his seat will also be included in the election for a candidate to finish his two-year term. Citing Article 10, Section 4, of the Red Lake Constitution and Bylaws, "The Tribal Council by an affirmative vote of the majority may hold a special election to fill any vacancy of a district representative or officer, caused by removal, death or resignation for the unexpired term."

The council then decided, "We should use the Regular Election to fill the vacancy and not call for a Special Election due to the timing of election and the passing of Representative Barrett." Whoever is elected then would finish Barrett's term or two years.

Seats (and incumbents) up for election or reelection for four-year terms are; Darrell G. Seki, Sr., Chairman, Annette Johnson, Treasurer, Gary Nelson, Ponemah Representative, Julius "Toady" Thunder, Redby Representative, Roman "Ducker" Stately, Red Lake Representative, and Robert "Charlie" Reynolds, Little Rock Representative. In addition the two-year term to finish Barrett's term. Appointed Tribal Secretary Darwin Sumner, also a Hereditary Chief is not expected to seek election to the Secretary's office, also a four-year term.

If a candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one in the general election on May 16, they are the declared winner. If no one attains this threshold in any or all seats, a run-off election will be scheduled sixty days after the conclusion of all certifications, challenges or recounts...probably mid to late July.

2018 Election Timeline

• Friday, March 2, 2018 – First day to file for candidacy

• Saturday, March 17, 2018, 4 pm, - Last day to file for candidacy. Preliminary candidates list is posted. Preliminary eligible voters list is posted

• Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - Deadline for voter change of residency. Deadline for withdrawal of candidacy. Final eligible voters list is posted

• Monday, April 16, 2018 - Deadline for district election boards to be appointed. Deadline for posting of the certified candidates list

• Saturday, April 21, 2018 – Absentee balloting begins

• Wednesday, May 9, 2018 – Deadline for ballot counting watchers

• Friday, May 11, 2018 – Deadline for Election Day Poll Observers

• Monday, May 14, 2018 – Absentee Ballot committee in Minneapolis, MN

• Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – ELECTION DAY, Polls open 8:00 am – 8:00 p.m.; Absentee ballots are due by 8:00 pm.

• Thursday, May 17, 2018 – Posting of the certified election results

• Tuesday, May 22, 2018 – Deadline for contesting the election

• Friday, June 1, 2018 – Deadline for the General Election to rule on requests for election contests (if any)

• Monday, July 16, 2018 – If the election is uncontested, the run-off election must be held before this date

• Thursday, July 26, 2018 – If the election was contested, the run-off election must be held before this date