9 council seats on Tribe ballot

Choctaw voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, June 10, to elect representatives for nine Tribal Council seats in the upcoming Tribal election.

In the Bogue Chitto community, 12 candidates are vying for two open positions. The candidates are: Kendrick B. Bell, Jeremiah Harrison, Kinsey W. Henry, incumbent Angela S. Hundley, Randy L. Jim, Natasha A. John, Jamion K. Johnson, Davita S. McClelland, Jackson Thompson Jr., incumbent Kendall S. Wallace, Kenneth R. Wallace, and Treundes A. Willis.

Conehatta has nine candidates competing for two positions. Those in the race are Max M. Anderson, Tarina K. Anderson, Trinesa E. Barojas, Emerson J. Billy, Hannah B. Charlie, Shaun D. Grant, Jeron K. Johnson, incumbent Hilda F. Nickey, and incumbent Gregory Shoemake.

In Crystal Ridge, four candidates are contending for a single seat: incumbent Christopher L. Eaves, Alexander J. Hickman, Rosa L. Kanagy, and Tim G. Willis.

The Pearl River community has the most competitive field, with 14 candidates seeking two positions. The candidates are: Collins Billy Jr., Robert L. Briscoe, Mindy F. Davis, Asa J. Jimmie, Speedy X. Lewis, incumbent Deborah P. Martin, Robert D. Martin, Lola M. Parkerson, Benjamin E. Stephens, Nickolas R. Stephens, Jerod D. Thompson, Austin K. Tubby, Shelley A. Tubby, and incumbent Kent L. Wesley.

In Standing Pine, six candidates are running for one seat. They include: Betty L. Allen, Louie B. Charlie, Lalania D. Denson, Benjamin R. Farve, Ashley A. Primer, and Jalen T. Tangle.

The Tucker community has four candidates in the race for one position: Autumn D. McMillan, incumbent Demando C. Mingo, Eric S. Nickey, and Layla T. Taylor.

In addition to selecting council members, voters will decide on a referendum concerning the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana possession, production, and distribution on Tribal lands.

For questions or additional information, contact the Tribal Election Commission Office at (601) 650-7475.