Issues

"The political challenges have already begun—and I expected they would."

The AST Election Commission is raising concerns that I could use my current board position as leverage in my campaign. Let me be clear: I do not serve on these boards for political leverage. I serve because I believe in serving my tribe and protecting its future.

There is also an important point our tribal members need to understand: our elections must be governed by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Constitution and Election Ordinance currently in effect. Our Constitution was formally amended through a BIA-authorized Secretarial Election in 2019, giving tribal members the opportunity to vote on those proposed amendments. Our Election Ordinance establishes the rules and regulations for tribal elections and specifically provides that additional candidate qualifications may only be imposed through approval by a tribal referendum. The rules should be clear, consistent, and applied equally to every candidate.

If someone believes our Constitution or Election Ordinance has been changed since then, then show the tribal members where that amendment was properly adopted, approved, and made part of our governing law. We cannot change the rules of an election simply because it is approaching. The same rules must apply to every candidate.

My opponent has been governor just about eight years and holds the influence and access that comes with that position. I have never held the governor's office. I have been serving our people since 1991. I know the responsibility that comes with representing the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and I will not forget who I am accountable to. I have experience serving our tribe, working on boards, and in business, banking, government, and community leadership, and I am committed to applying that experience for the benefit of our people.

I will not be intimidated, distracted, or pushed away from doing what I believe is right for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

If challenges come, we will address them. If something needs to be decided in court, then we will take it to court, get it resolved, and move forward with the election.

I am not running for Governor to protect a position. I am running to build a stronger future for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Our Tribe deserves transparency. Our members deserve accountability. Our elections deserve clear, consistent rules that apply equally to every candidate.

I will continue standing up, doing the work, and moving forward.

The future of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is too important to back down from.

Thank You,

Eastman K. Switch

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Election Commission

There are currently vacancies on the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Election Commission, and alternates are serving in those positions.

So, which is it?

Were these individuals appointed as ALTERNATES under Article VI, Section 6 and/or Article XVII, Section 5 — or were they APPOINTED TO FILL ACTUAL VACANCIES under Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution?

Those are two different questions, and the distinction matters.

If these are actual vacancies, where is the authority and documentation showing that the individuals were properly appointed to fill those vacant Election Commission positions?

Before the upcoming election, tribal members deserve a clear answer: What constitutional authority allows each current Election Commission member to serve in the position they currently hold?

This is about following the Constitution and ensuring that the Election Commission is properly constituted before conducting an election.

Was this person appointed as an alternate under Article VI, Section 6 / Article XVII, Section 5, or appointed to fill an actual vacancy under Article VIII, Section 1?