Sitka | The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Tribal Council ratified the results of its tribal council election on Wednesday, but not before getting an earful from concerned citizens over some questioned ballots.
Tribal citizen Betty Jo Moore told the Tribal Council she had a variety of concerns about the election, including the list of eligible voters, which she believes to be inaccurate. But she was concerned specifically about three people who had to vote questioned ballots during the Tribe’s Nov. 8 election. She said their ballots should be counted.
One of those whose ballot was questioned, Vicki Martin, said for her, being left off the eligible voter list was a personal affront to her tribal citizenship.
“I’ve lived here for 22 years. My daughter for 18. And I’m trying so hard to turn that other cheek but time after time I get slapped by my own people,” Martin said. “I’m sorry, but my vote, my rights better count, because I am who I am.”
Tribal Council member Harvey Kitka moved to accept the election results and count the three questioned ballots. He said the citizens in question were well known citizens of the Tribe, and that their eligibility shouldn’t be in question.
Council member Tanya Bonorden agreed.
“I agree with Mr. Kitka that we know these people. And when does traditional Tlingit law override anything like our Constitution?” she said. “I really feel there are many gray areas where our Constitution falters for our people.”
The Tribal Council unanimously supported counting the three ballots, and the election results were ratified. The three votes, when officially tallied, will not make a difference in the outcome of the election. Dale Williams, Archie Nielsen, Wade Martin and Ben Miyasato all won seats on the Tribal Council. They’re scheduled to be sworn in at the next regular meeting.
