SHAWNEE TRIBE ELECTION COMMITTEE

AboutInfo for VotersInfo for Candidates
Shawnee voter casting ballot

ELECTION COMMITTEE

In accordance with Article XII of the Shawnee Tribe Constitution and Title 6, “Elections Act,” the Shawnee Tribe Election Committee is composed of five officials appointed by the Business Council. Committee members serve two-year terms and are jointly responsible for conducting and overseeing all Shawnee Tribe elections and referenda. Learn more about the Committee’s role and responsibilities here.

Committee Members

Cindy Witherspoon, Chair
Kathy Millikan, Vice Chair
Corine Christian
Marsha Meyer
Dana Shrum

INFO FOR VOTERS

An election shall be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the following elective offices:

  • Treasurer, 4-year term, currently held by Mark McDowell.
  • Business Council Seat 7, 4-year term, currently held by Keni Hood.

The candidate filing period runs from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Friday, June 19, 2026. 

  • Monday, August 31 – Deadline to request an absentee ballot.
  • Thursday, September 17, 5:00 PM – Deadline to return voted absentee ballots.
  • Friday, September 18, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Polls open (Early in-person voting).
  • Saturday, September 19, 8:00 – 11:00 AM – Polls open (Election Day).

Absentee Voting:

*In an effort to increase voter turnout, the Elections Committee want to encourage eligible citizens, especially those that do not attend the annual meeting to use the absentee ballot option to cast their vote for their tribal leadership.

Any eligible voter may submit a request to be added to the early voting by absentee ballot list of voters for the calendar year’s upcoming election(s). Absentee voters are not eligible to cast a ballot in person at the polling place. To request an absentee ballot for the September 2026 election, voters must complete & submit an online or hard copy Application for Absentee Ballot by Mail form by Monday, August 31.

Hard copy requests for absentee ballot should be mailed or hand-delivered during business hours (M-F, 8:30-4:30) to the following address:

Shawnee Tribe Election Committee
32 A Street SE, Suite 200
Miami, OK  74354

Whether requesting an absentee ballot online or via hard copy application, voters will receive an email confirmation that the Committee has received their request at the email address provided by the voter on the application form.

Application For Absentee Ballot

In-Person Voting:

In-Person Voting and the Annual Meeting of the Tribal Council will take place September 18 & 19 at the Craig County Fairgrounds and Community Center in Vinita, OK. Get driving directions: Google Maps / Apple Maps.

Other Info (*More information to come):

2026 Meet the Candidates

2026 Sample Ballot

2026 Election Regulations

2026 Poll Watcher Rules & Regulations

Other events taking place General Council weekend will be listed in the Community Calendar.

Questions? Contact the Election Committee at elections@shawnee-tribe.com or (918) 325 – 6341.

INFO FOR CANDIDATES

An election shall be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the following elective offices:

  • Treasurer, 4-year term, currently held by Mark McDowell.
  • Business Council Seat 7, 4-year term, currently held by Keni Hood.

Title 6, “Elections Act,” Outlines the qualifications for candidacy. Prospective candidates should also familiarize themselves with the 2026 Election Regulations (coming soon) and 2026 Poll Watcher Rules & Regulations (coming soon).

Candidate Filing Packet.

Filing Fees:

  • Treasurer – $200
  • Business Council Members at Large – $150

Important Dates:

  • Friday, June 19 – Filing period closes. No hand-delivered or mailed filings will be accepted after close of business on the filing deadline.
  • Meet the Candidates submission deadline (coming soon).