EBCI Sept. 4 tribal council general election unofficial results
The EBCI Tribal Council will have some new members following the election.
Holly Kays photo
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Sept. 4 held its general election for tribal council. Twelve tribal members — two from each community — are elected to tribal council every two years. Turnout hovered at about 30% of eligible voters. Four women were elected to the board, a historic marker.
On the afternoon of Sept. 9, a recount was held to certify the results of the race for the Birdtown at the behest of candidate and former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, who according to the initial count lost his race by just eight votes. Those results were not ready by press time.
Election results will be certified by the end of the month at the latest. Inauguration is Oct. 6.
Unofficial tribal council results (according to the Cherokee One Feather):
• Kolanvyi (Big Cove) unofficial winners: Lavita Hill (214) and Venita K Wolfe (168).
• Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) unofficial winners: Jim Owle (incumbent, 471) and Boyde Owle (incumbent, 425); Patrick Lambert (417) within margin for recount.
• Aniwodihi (Painttown) unofficial winners: Sean Michael Stamper (incumbent, 273) and Shannon Swimmer (166); Jeff Thompson (163) within margin for recount.
• Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) Unofficial winners: Adam Wachacha (incumbent, 213) and Michael Smoker (185).
• Wayohi (Wolftown) unofficial winners: Bo Crowe (Incumbent, 505) and Mike Parker (incumbent, 328); Joey Owle (320) within margin for recount.
• Elawodi (Yellowhill): David Wolfe (incumbent, 204) and Shennelle Feather (185).
