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Politics
Smooth voting seen on South Dakota reservations


There were no major problems reported on South Dakota reservations on Tuesday, a contrast to the 2002 election.

Poll watchers were present at precincts on various reservations but people said they were "nice." Turnout was heavy and tribal members were excited to vote.

Problems were feared as Democrat Sen. Tom Daschle had accused Republican John Thune of attempting to intimidate Indian voters. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order barring Republicans from writing down license plates or following Indian voters from the Yankton Sioux Reservation.

On the Pine Ridge Reservation, voters were also choosing a new president. Activist / actor Russell Means was facing Cecilia Fire Thunder, a former nurse. Results were not reported.

One the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, voters also took part in a tribal, school board and tribal college election.

Get the Story:
Election runs smoothly at Pine Ridge (The Rapid City Journal 11/3)
Voting on reservations smooth (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 11/3)

Court Documents:
Temporary Restraining Order | Daschle Complaint | Daschle Brief | Minutes of Hearing

Relevant Links:
Sen. Tom Daschle - http://daschle.senate.gov
Tom Daschle, campaign site - http://www.tomdaschle.com
John Thune for US Senate - http://www.johnthune.com

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