Seven Tribal Board Seats Open for May 22 Election

Incumbent unit directors and new candidates can seek seats on the executive board of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, including the chairman position, currently held by Aaron Payment. The election cycle began January 25, the tribe announced.

Those seeking candidacy can file a Letter of Intent with the Election Committee. All Letters of Intent are due March 28. To be nominated, a candidate must also file a nominating petition, which will be available March 28 and due to the Election Committee April 17. The official candidate list for the primary election will be finalized and released April 24.

Primary election day is May 22, while the general election day is June 26.

Registered tribal voters will be mailed primary ballots May 1 and they are due before 5 p.m. May 22. General election ballots will be mailed June 5 and are due before 5 p.m. June 26.

Positions on the ballot in June will be those held Chairman Aaron Payment of Sault Ste. Marie; Fred Paquin of St. Ignace, Unit III; Lana Causley of Hessel, Unit II; Joe Eitrem of Sault Ste. Marie, Unit I; Cathy Abramson of Sault Ste.Marie, Unit I; Todd Gravelle of Sault Ste. Marie, Unit I; and Tom Miller of Cooks, Unit IV.

The board of directors is the governing body of the tribe and includes 12 directors and one chairperson. The tribe's seven-county Eastern Upper Peninsula service area is divided into five units.

Tribal members who are registered as voters in each unit elect representatives to the board. The number of representatives chosen from each unit reflects the unit's population.

All officers serve for four years and staggered terms put half of the board up for election every two years.

The Tribal Election Committee can be reached at (906) 635-6050 or (800) 793-0660.