Unofficial results were announced this week for Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Tribal Council election.
312 Tribal citizens cast votes early, in person at the Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi on Tuesday, and — for the first time — online.
The Tribe’s Interim Deputy General Manager Rob Allen said they rolled out the new online voting system ahead of this year’s election.
“About 100 more people voted than last year, and quite a few of them chose the electronic version. I did myself, and it was really easy and fast,” Allen said. “The goal was we were trying to increase the number of people that participate and vote, and make it as easy and convenient as possible. And right now, I think we’re feeling pretty happy with that decision.”
Seven candidates were in the running for five open council seats, including chairperson. Rachel Kay Moreno led the race with 204 votes, followed by incumbent Alana Peterson, who received 187 votes. Incumbent Lillian Feldpausch received 135 votes and Gerald (Gerry) Eugene Hope received 134 votes. All four scored a seat and will begin their two-year terms next month.
Incumbent Steven Johnson, who received 110 votes, was not reelected to his position. Sonya Smith, who received 104 votes, was also not elected.
For the position of chairperson, incumbent Yeidikook’áa, who was running unopposed, was re-elected to another term with 223 votes.
The election results will be certified at the council’s regular meeting on Nov. 18, and council members will take office on Dec. 1. Terms run through November 2028.
