The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will vote on three amendments, including one that will allow the tribe to impose longer jail sentences.

The tribe currently limits sentences to six months in jail and fines of up to $500. The amendment would allow harsher punishments in accordance with the Indian Civil Rights Act.

The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 allows sentences of up to one year and fines of up to $5,000. But the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 amends ICRA to allow sentences of up to three years so long as certain conditions are met by a tribe's court system.

"As a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, your voice is very important in determining the tribe’s future," Chief Phyliss Anderson said in a message. "I hope you will take time to research these important issues, consider what changes are being proposed and practice your right to vote if you so choose."

The election will take place February 19.

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Tribe to vote 3 separate amendments (The Neshoba Democrat 1/23)