The Tribal Executive Board approved a special election to fill a vacancy on the council.

Saturday, November 19, 2022. There will be two people on the ballot: former council members Kaci Wallette and Dana Buckles. Both are running to fill the vacancy left by former councilman Grant Stafne’s resignation from the board.

Stafne announced his resignation a few weeks ago when he was hired as the Deputy Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Peck Agency.

When his resignation was accepted by the council, his seat was declared vacant. Usually, the vacancy would be filled by the person who got the next highest amount of votes during the Tribal General Election.

The final tally of all votes after contested recounts lists Wallette and Buckles as being tied for 13th place, both have 449 votes.

Tribal Operations Manager and Secretary Accountant Megan Gourneau, who is charged with setting up the special election, said the law requires the at least 50 days notice to the public.

The final day to register to vote will be October 31, 2022. Unlike state voter registration, the Tribes voter registration is only done once. Any tribal member 18-years-old or who will be by Halloween 2022 are eligible to sign up.