Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith vetoed a new map for the tribe's council districts.

Smith said the map was designed to protect incumbents. He said the new districts weren't divided evenly among the Cherokee people.

Council members were confident they will override the veto. They want to create 15 districts, each with one representative, instead of the current nine districts.

The Cherokee constitution requires a new map every 10 years. The next council election takes place in 2011.

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Cherokee chief vetoes plan for council district redesign (The Tulsa World 7/24)