TAHLEQUAH - Bryan Warner, incumbent deputy chief for the Cherokee Nation, has retained his position within the tribe’s executive brance, according to unofficial results of the June 3 General Election announced by the CN Election Commission.
The results, announced the morning of June 4, gave Warner 10,300 ballots or 61.54% of the vote. David Walkingstick received 4,901 votes, or 29.28%.
Finishing third in the balloting was Meredith Frailey, who received 1,147 votes or 6.85%. Bill Pearson was marked on 389 ballots for 2.32%of the vote.
The CNEC announced the results with all precincts reporting and all early and absentee ballots tallied. The total does not include a scattering of challenged ballots, which the CNEC usually resolves a day or two after the voting.
A message left early June 4 with Warner was not returned by deadline.
During the April 25 debate between the deputy chief candidates, Warner said it was “an honor” to work with Hoskin.
“His administration has made many strides to make sure that our future will be rooted in Cherokee values, traditions and culture, but also be able to stand the test of time and what’s coming,” Warner said. “Chief Hoskin and I will continue to protect our sovereignty and continue to perpetuate our language. We will meet people. We will go out and take a look at how we can address our poverty, how we can address our needs, our gaps in health care, how we can look to education as our ancestors did.”
All results are unofficial until certified by the CNEC.
In all the June 3 races, recount requests must be received by June 7, and any recount must be completed by June 9. The deadline for appeals is June 12. Requests for absentee ballots in run-off races must be received by June 12. Absentee ballots will be mailed June 19-20. Walk-in or early absentee voting will be offered at the CNEC office on July 1 and 4-6. Runoff elections are July 8.
