Lani Hansen/Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Emergency Session meeting was held Nov. 10 via teleconference.
During Emergency Session the following legislation was addressed, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 21-135 Amending NCA 21-084 (A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation repealing MCNCA Title 16, chapter 4 and creating new law in a new title 50, entitled “Lighthorse Police” and authorizing an appropriation for the Lighthorse Police Commission.) Representative Adam Jones III sponsored the resolution, which passed 14-0.
The sum of $112,372.00 shall be in the Comprehensive Annual Budget beginning fiscal year 2022 and annually thereafter. Funds shall be carried forward until fully expended.
NCA 21-136 Authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the benefit of the Office of Environmental Services Department. Rep. Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsored the resolution, which passed 14-0.
The grant funds of $163,982.00 will be used for development training of staff members to conduct an Emissions Inventory of air pollution sources as well as, to conduct a basic Air Quality Assessment within the Muscogee Nation Tribal Reservation.
NCA 21-137 Amending MCNCA Title 19 subchapter 7-303, 8-106, 8-108, 8-201, 8-209, 10-105, 10-108, 10-109 and 10-111, entitled “Absentee ballot affidavit,” “time for issuing lists or certificates,” Lighthorsemen to provide security for ballot boxes,” time for filing contest or recount,” petition for fraud or irregularities,” return of ballots,” handling of returned absentee ballot,” “examination of signatures; removal of outer envelope” and “counting procedures.” Rep. Jones sponsored the legislation, which failed 5-7-2. Reps. Lucian Tiger and James Jennings abstained. Reps. William Lowe, Charles McHenry, Thomasene Yahola Osborn, Mark Randolph, Travis Scott, Mary Crawford and Robert Hufft voted against.
Citizens reported that they have not received their absentee ballots less than one week away from Election Day.
If voter has not already submitted an absentee ballot affidavit, the ballot is to be cast and is entitled to vote in person.
The list and certificates prescribed in Title 19, subchapter 8-103 shall not be issued by the Election Board prior to 10 days. Absentee ballots must be postmarked in or before Nov. 13, 2021.
The counting procedures for the absentee ballots received five days after the election when conducting an election with electronic voting machines shall be commenced at 11 a.m. at the Tribal Complex by Election Board, absentee ballot outer envelope shall be separated, signature on outside envelope must be checked, each envelope must be counted, inner envelopes must be opened and counted when absentee ballot is removed, etc.
For video of National Council meetings, visit: www.mcnnc.com.
