Two candidates’ names have been removed from the ballot for the upcoming Cherokee Nation General Election after it was discovered they were not certified or eligible to run, following a special meeting of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.
David Walkingstick, who was running for District 2 (Tahlequah), and Steven Carter, who was running for District 4 (Muscogee, McIntosh and Sequoyah counties), were both found to be ineligible to run following a Feb. 24 meeting. Both votes were reportedly unanimously approved by the election commission, according to meeting minutes.
It was noted that under Section 37B of the Election Law, three days are given to allow a denied candidate to provide additional information.
Walkingstick, a former councilor from 2011-19, a candidate for principal chief in 2017 and candidate for deputy chief in 2023, was notified by letter the same day.
The letter stated, “In accordance with CNCA Title 26 Elections §34, Establishment of Residency, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission is issuing this letter to inform you that after the investigative process and hearing decision was completed, your eligibility was denied for the 2025 Cherokee Nation General Election based on not verifying residence within District 2, for which you filed, for a continuous period of 270 days prior to the date of the General Election pursuant to 26 CNCA 34.”
Carter, a former District 2 Sequoyah County Commissioner, was notified in the same way, based on not verifying his residence within District 4.
Walkingstick did file an appeal, and arguments were scheduled to be heard by the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court on March 20. Details from the hearing were not available as of press time.
In November, councilors approved new district maps for the 2025 election after redistricting. Cherokee citizens living at-large or in Districts 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 15 will vote on June 7. A runoff election is scheduled for July 26 if no candidate receives a majority in any race.
Local candidates who will remain on the June ballot include: District 2 (Tahlequah): Issac Collins and Candessa Tehee, incumbent.
District 4 (Muscogee, McIntosh and Sequoyah counties): Janis Dearman, Elana Strable Gallardo, Uriah Grass, Stephen Maples, Mandy Scott and Joie Sneed.
Cherokee Nation 2025 General Election current information
• March 31 — Voter Registration Deadline
• April 7 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
• May 31, June 3, 4, 5 — Early Walk-In Voting; Absentee Drop Box
• June 7 — General Election for Districts 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15 & One At Large seat
• July 19, 22, 23, 24 — Early Walk-In Voting; Absentee Drop Box
• July 26 — Run Off Election
