Cherokee Nation Supreme Court to decide fate of disputed vote

Wednesday, July 20, 2011  

The Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is expected to issue a ruling by tomorrow that will determine the outcome of the principal chief's race.

Incumbent Chad Smith and challenger Bill John Baker presented final arguments to the court yesterday. Smith wants to be declared the winner, citing the results of a recount this week that gave him a 5-vote lead.

Baker is asking the court to order an entirely new election. Otherwise, he wants about 50 ballots removed from the count, which would apparently give him the win.

Get the Story:
Election case before the court (The Muskogee Phoenix 7/20)
Supreme Court hears closing arguments on election appeal (The Cherokee Phoenix 7/19)

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