KGOU Pledge Online Today!Follow Us at FacebookLive Streaming
News
Cherokee Election Hearing to Resume Saturday (Jul 08, 2011)

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — Members of the Cherokee Nation election commission and a contractor hired to count ballots in its June 25 election for chief say an initial tally of ballots was in error.

Bill John Baker ultimately was declared the winner over incumbent Chad Smith, but the matter is now before the tribe's Supreme Court. Justices took testimony from witnesses Friday and will resume their hearing Saturday morning. Some election commissioners said the trouble seemed to be with absentee ballots.

Election results first showed that Baker won, then Smith. After a recount by hand, Baker was declared the winner by 266 votes. Smith wants another recount by machine, but Baker says Cherokee law doesn't allow another count.

Inauguration day is Aug. 14. The winner will lead Oklahoma's largest tribe.



« back

NPRPRIBBCOU OutreachKGOU
Sponsors

High Speed Low Speed streaming issues High Speed Low Speed streaming issues