Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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Principal Chief Chad Smith at the Cherokee Nation Complex, where Rachel Tolbert is registering to vote.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation will register more than 10,000 new voters in the months leading up to this fall’s elections.

"With more than 600,000 Native Americans in Oklahoma, the Indian vote counts", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We are making sure that every one who comes to any of our offices has the opportunity to register to vote."

"There are two things people should know about Indian voters", Smith said. "Number one, there are a lot more of them than you might think. Number two, they know where the polls are and they show up on election day."

The Cherokee Nation will publish voters guides in the coming months to educate voters on issues important to Indian families. The Cherokee Nation has registered more than 25,000 voters since 2000.

"Our people want to know where candidates stand on creating jobs in Cherokee communities, on improving education in our local schools and on forming partnerships for the future that respect tribal sovereignty", Smith said. "They want representatives at the local, state and federal level that understand Indian issues and realize the opportunities we bring to Oklahoma."

Indian Nations employ nearly 20,000 people in Oklahoma, and provide valuable community benefits like health care, education and roads.

The Cherokee Nation does not endorse candidates or contribute money to political campaigns.

"Our philosophy is that, ultimately, elected officials listen to the people that elect them, the voters", Smith said. "By informing voters about the candidates’ stand on issues, we help the candidates get their message out and we help voters make informed choices."

The Cherokee Nation Voter’s Guide will be sent to more than 70,000 tribal households in Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation will have voter registration forms available at their offices and health clinics in Tahlequah, Bartlesville, Sallisaw, Catoosa, Jay, Miami, Muskogee, Pryor, Sperry, Stilwell, Vinita, and Warner.

Related path: Cherokee Nation, OK, Council Meeting Archives Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org