"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Early Voting Option Offered

***"Wanda Beaver, Cherokee Nation Election Services Office Manager"***

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Eligible Cherokee voters have a handy option to make voting faster and more convenient in the upcoming June 23, 2007 Cherokee Nation election. Voters can avoid lines and crowds by voting in person at the Cherokee Nation Election Services office up to four days before the general election.

“It was so simple,” said tribal citizen Kathy Cheater, who plans to vote early again in the general election. “I will definitely do early voting again. It gave me a range of dates to choose from, so that I could vote when it was convenient for me and my family.”

Wanda Beaver, Cherokee Nation Election Services office manager, said early voting is becoming a popular alternative to voting on the actual election day, which is a Saturday.

“Many people have other things they want to do on their weekend, so this is a great option,” said Beaver. “I think it does encourage people to get out and vote, and we’re anticipating more and more people voting early as voters become aware of this opportunity.”

Nearly 200 voters took advantage of early voting in the March 3, 2007, Special Election, the first time the option was offered.

Additionally, Beaver says registered at-large voters who failed to request an absentee ballot still have an opportunity to vote if they do so during the early in-person voting period.

Early in-person voting will take place only at the Election Services office, located at 22116 S. Bald Hill Road, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The dates for early in-person voting are June 19, 20 and 21, 2007, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

For more information, contact the Cherokee Nation Election Services office, phone: 918-458-5899. Additional information about the June 23, 2007 election is available on the Cherokee Nation's web site. Go to “Cherokee Election 2007” Election Commission.