Cherokee citizens still have time to register to vote

LeAndra Tucker
TNE Writer
On June 27 of this year, Cherokee voters will occupy voting booths throughout the 14 counties of
the Cherokee Nation. In this general election, citizens will choose who will become the 18
Principal Chief.
Since 1827, Cherokee chiefs have been voted in by Cherokee people in compliance with the
nations constitutions. Today as a federally recognized tribe, there are approximately 290,000
citizens within this government but not all are registered to vote.
Voting is vital in any election and as it is in the general election for Cherokee Principal Chief,
this decision will determine who is chosen to lead, serve and govern the Cherokee Nation
presently and will ultimately help shape the road for future generations.
Representative Will Fourkiller and candidate for Cherokee Nation Principal Chief experienced
firsthand how votes count and effect the outcome of elections.
In 2010, I was elected to the House and I am starting my third term this year, said Fourkiller. I
always hear, Why should I vote? My vote doesnt count. In my first election, I made my runoff
by 12 votes and I think what if those 13 people would not have voted.
According to CNN.com, out of the nearly 300,000 Cherokee tribal members, only 56,000 are
registered voters and of that 56,000, only about 15,200 voted in the 2011 election.
Its very important for citizens to get registered and vote because the citizens are the ones who
make changes happen. I personally feel it is a privilege to get to vote on decisions that will

better our tribe as whole, said LaRae Foreman, Cherokee Nation employee and NSU alumni.
The way I see it, the young people of today are the leaders of our future.
On-campus organizations like the Native American Student Association and the Cherokee
Promise Scholars will be doing what they can in the weeks to come to promote voting among the
Cherokee college students.
Shayla Mouse, NASA president, said the two organizations will team up in the coming weeks to
reach Native students who are not in their respective organizations.
We will focus on informational booths and have a few different events leading to the election,
said Mouse. I think its important for young adults because whenever they vote, they will decide
the future of their children and the future of the Nation. If we want any say in that, we have to
exercise our right to vote.
Voters, especially young voters, are encouraged to register and vote in the election for Chief this
summer.
We have got to convince them their vote does count and they do make a difference, said
Fourkiller. Weve got to show them how decisions made today, affect them down the road.
Voters have until March 31 to register.
For more information on voter registration or tribal elections, visit
http://www.cherokee.org/OurGovernment/Commissions/ElectionCommission.aspx.
Published 2/11/15

Photo Cutline: Cherokee Nation citizen registers to vote.