Election Board certifies National Grid referendum results

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Press Release — On December 30th, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Election Board certified the referendum held on Saturday December 13, 2008.  The certification was delayed due to an appeal, contending that an insufficient number of public meetings had been held prior to the referendum.  In a letter dated December 30, 2008, the Election Board responded to the appeal, upholding the validity of the referendum.  After careful review of the record, the Election Board determined that the provision was met which requires three public meetings to be held prior to a referendum vote.

 The referendum was held to approve two agreements with National Grid: a Service Agreement for National Grid to continue providing service to the Akwesasne Community and a Franchise Agreement which spells out the terms under which the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe could possibly exit National Grid, should the tribe decide to do so.  Although voter turnout was light, the measure was approved, with 63 votes for, 29 votes against and with two ballots void.