Cite as: 26 CNCA § 54

A. Selection. The Cherokee Nation Election Commission shall select at random two (2) Tabulation Watchers selected pursuant to this section: one(l) for the Principal Chief and Deputy Chief race tabulations and one (1) for the Tribal Council race tabulation.

B. Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief Candidates. Each Candidate in a General Primary Election for the office of the Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief may submit one (1) name and up to two (2) alternates as their designated Tabulation Watchers within a time to be prescribed by the Election Commission.

C. Council Candidates. Each Candidate in a General Primary Election for the office of the Council may submit one (1) name and up to two (2) alternates as their designated Tabulation Watchers within a time to be prescribed by the Election Commission. In the event more than two (2) Candidates are listed on the ballot for any single District, each Candidate's designated Tabulation Watchers shall be chosen by random drawing from the list of names submitted by the Candidates.

D. Runoff Election. Each Candidate in a Runoff Election may submit one (1) watcher name and up to two (2) alternate watcher names as their designated Tabulation Watchers within a time to be prescribed by the Election Commission.

E. Duties. Tabulation Watchers shall be entitled to observe the tabulation of ballots at the Election Commission. Tabulation Watchers shall be limited to observing the tabulation work being performed and making a written record of such work. Tabulation Watchers are to observe only; provided that they are permitted to speak with a member of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission if they notice any kind of irregularity at which point the Commissioner shall address the issue. A Tabulation Watcher is not permitted to bring any electronic device into the Election Commission during tabulation. A Tabulation Watcher is not permitted to make or receive phone calls; send or receive text or instant messaging; or send or receive electronic communications during his or her activities performed pursuant to this section. If a Tabulation Watcher exits the Election Commission during ballot tabulation, he or she shall not be permitted to re-enter the building, unless a Commissioner of the Election Commission consents to such re-entry. A Tabulation Watcher found to be in violation of this Section may be removed from the Election Commission and assessed a five hundred dollar ($500.00) civil penalty.

Historical Data

LA 14-22, eff. May 16, 2022. Amended LA 20-26, eff. June 11, 2026.