Joe Shirley Jr., at microphone, and his running mate, Dineh Benally. Photo from Facebook
Voters of the Navajo Nation are at the polls today to choose a new leader. A tribal judge threw a hiccup in the process on Friday and put a halt to the presidential vote. But the Navajo Nation Supreme Court once again stepped in and ordered the election to move forward as planned. Voters will choose between Joe Shirley Jr., a former two-term president, and Russell Begaye, a former delegate to the Navajo Nation Council. Both candidates have been campaigning despite attempts by other politicians on the reservation to delay the election in order to resolve the language fluency requirements for candidates.
Russell Begaye, seated, and his running mate, Jonathan Nez Photo from Facebook
"We believe the people want to see change in leadership. They want to see the nation move forward," Begaye told The Farmington Daily Times. "We're going to hit the ground running," Shirley told the paper. Polls are open from 6am to 7pm Navajo time. The winner will be sworn in on May 12. Get the Story:
Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to determine Navajo Nation presidency, election board (The Farmington Daily Times 4/21)
Navajo Supreme Court orders election to be held Tuesday (The Navajo Times 4/20)
Navajo high court says voters will choose president Tuesday (AP 4/20)
Navajo Election: How We Got Here? (Indian Country Today 4/20)
Navajo To Vote For President April 21 (Fronteras 4/20)
Begaye, Nez are ready for change (The Farmington Daily Times 4/19)
Shirley, Benally say they are ready to lead (The Farmington Daily Times 4/19)
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