MCA Voters Reject Amendments to Akwesasne Election Law

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held a secret ballot vote on Dec. 17, 2011 to allow its membership to either accept or reject a series of proposed changes to the Akwesasne Election Law.

A Special Meeting was held from 9 a.m. until approximately 6 p.m. at the St. Regis Recreation during which a total of 173 community members turned out to cast their votes.

The changes proposed to the Akwesasne Election Law included minor title changes and rewording to the document, but also included one exceptionally impactful proposed change to require that candidates for MCA office be required to have two parents who are members of First Nations, as opposed to the present law’s requirement of needing one First Nations/MCA member parent.

The results of the Dec. 17 vote were 75 in favor of ratifying/accepting the changes and new Akwesasne Election Law, and 95 opposing/rejecting the new document. Three ballots were spoiled.

Therefore, immediately following announcement of the voting results, Mohawk Council passed a resolution formally rejecting the proposed changes to the Akwesasne Election Law and declaring that the 2005/2006-192 Akwesasne Election Law remains the valid law.

Community members may contact the MCA’s Justice Department if they have any questions regarding the ratification vote.