Primary returns five incumbent tribal council members to ballot

With the general election for CSKT Tribal Council just a month away, five incumbents remain on the ballot after the primary, held Oct. 13.

A one-vote difference between Sam Barnaby and Lois Friedlander for the at-large seat triggered a hand recount. As a result, Barnaby, with 157 votes, will face incumbent and current vice-chair Tom McDonald (578 votes) in the general election on Dec. 13.

The top two vote-getters who will face off in each district are: Arlee – incumbent Jim Malatare (364 votes) vs. Greg Dumontier (294); Elmo – incumbent Len Twoteeth (657) vs. Louis “Junior” Caye (308); Polson – Jami Pluff (396) vs. incumbent Jennifer Finley (281); and Ronan – incumbent Carole Depoe Lankford (599) vs. Ronald Couture (410).

The winners will be decided Dec. 13. Polling sites, open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on election day, include the Elmo Hall, Indian Senior Centers in Polson, Ronan, Arlee, St. Ignatius and Hot Springs, the Vern Clairmont Tribal Complex in Pablo and the Anita Matt Building in Sčilíp (Dixon).

Absentee ballots must be requested in writing from the Tribal Election Board and may be cast at the Tribal Complex during business hours.