Filing Period
The Filing Period begins March 4 - 7, 2009 and the Election Commission will be accepting applications during the following hours:
- Wednesday, March 4, 1pm to 5pm.
- Thursday, March 5, 1pm to 5pm.
- Friday, March 6, 1pm to 5pm.
- Saturday, March 7, 10am to 2pm.
Location for filing is at the Building 64 Conference Room on the Tribal Reserve. The following documents will be submitted by the person seeking candidacy:
- Application for Filing Candidacy
- Authorization of Background Check
- Authorization to review past debt owed to tribe.
Applications must be submitted with a $200 filing fee in accordance with the Election Ordinance. Eligible candidates can file for only one position. The filing fee must be paid in either a money order or cashier's check and is non-refundable once application is submitted. No personal checks or cash will be accepted. Filing fees will be used for election expenses.
Eligibility
Any enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation who is at least 25 years of age may file. Any member of the Pawnee Nation will not be eligible if previously convicted of a felony or has had a dishonorable discharge from military service. Any member of the Pawnee Nation will not be eligible if they are indebted to the Pawnee Nation for any amount, but in the event the debt is paid, that member will be eligible to file. Any false information provided on the application may result in criminal charges filed in Pawnee Nation District Court.
The Election Commission will review all filings, whether challenged or not, to test the eligibility of each person. If the Election Commission determines that a person is not eligible, the Election Commission will notify that person that their candidacy is being challenged, giving the reasons for the challenge, and that unless satisfactory proof of eligibiltiy is furnished within two days after notification, that person will be declared ineligible. The decision on eligibility made by the Election Commission will be final.
Challenge of Candidates
Any voter may challenge the eligibility of any person to be a candidate by filing with the Election Commission a written statement setting forth the grounds for the challenge. The challenge must be filed within five days of the posting of the list of candidates and requires a $50 non-refundable fee for the challenge. The person making the challenge will furnish proof that the would-be candidate is inelgible to be a candidate. The Election Commission will promptly notify the would-be candidate in writing stating the basis for the challenge. The Election Commission will rule on each challenge and each person will be notified by certified mail of their decision.
Appeal to Tribal Court
Any person who aggreived by order of the Election Commission on eligibility may appeal that decesion to the Pawnee Nation Tribal Court. The court will use expedient proceedings in the determination of the case prior to the deadline for receipt of request for Absentee Ballots. |
