Voters eyeing the 2025 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council race now have their finalists for the Sept. 4 general election.
The July 17 primary featured incumbents Adam Wachacha (183 votes) and Bucky Brown (160) leading the ballot in the Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) district. Also advancing to September were Janell Rattler (123) and Michael Smoker (122). Erik Oswalt (55) did not qualify for the general election.
The top four in each district will appear on Sept. 4's ballot.
Final primary results are as follows:
* Kolanvyi (Big Cove): Lavita "Muffin" Hill, 111; Venita K. Wolfe, 88; Perry Shell (incumbent), 75; Richard French (incumbent), 71; Mary Welch Thompson, 32; Karen Holiday, 22; Simon Montelongo, 19.
* Tsisqwohi (Birdtown): Patrick H. Lambert, 300; Jim Owle (incumbent), 253; Boyd Owle (incumbent), 246; Joi Owle, 117; Travis K. Smith, 110.
* Elawodi (Yellowhill): David Wolfe (incumbent), 110; Shennelle Feather, 95; Tom Wahnetah (incumbent), 84; Chris Reed, 71; T.W. (Price) Saunooke, 65.
The request period for absentee ballots began Friday and continues through Friday, Aug. 29. Registration also ends Aug. 29.
Early voting will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday, Aug. 11-16 and Monday-Saturday, Aug. 18-23. Voting precincts will be open from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sept. 4.