§ 4-206 Verification of qualifications for elected officials.
A. Prior to an election, the Election Commission shall hold a meeting to verify that all candidates meet the qualifications for office and/or verify all documents to be true and accurate.
B. The Election Commission shall ensure that felony background checks are conducted on all candidates.
1. The Tribe shall initially bear the cost of all felony background checks conducted prior to an election.
2. In the event that a candidate withdraws from the election after the felony background check has been ordered, the Election Commission shall be entitled to seek reimbursement for the full costs of the background check from the former candidate on behalf of the Tribe. Such reimbursement shall be considered a debt to the Tribe and may be withheld from the candidate’s distribution as necessary.
C. With respect to general elections, the Election Commission shall immediately notify a candidate in writing by certified mail, electronic mail or any other method the Election Commission deems appropriate if the candidate does not meet the qualifications of office. The candidate shall have five (5) business days from the date of receipt of notice to appeal the eligibility determination to the Election Commission. The Election Commission shall issue a decision within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal.
D. With respect to general elections, the Election Commission shall immediately notify a candidate in writing by mail, electronic mail or any other method the Election Commission deems appropriate if the candidate does meet the qualifications of office. Within the written notification of candidacy, the Election Commission shall also include a deadline and word count limits for candidate submissions to the candidate information packet. (Res. 2021-54; Res. 2020-14; Res. 2015-24; Res. 2014-41; Res. 2013-60; Res. 2013-57)