A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
MCA's Justice Department staff and referendum officers celebrated on March 31st when their goal for total votes was met.
TERRITORY OF AKWESASNE – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Justice Department and Chief Electoral Officer are proud to announce that the Iatathróna Raotiientáhtsera/Couples Property Law referendum voting concluded on March 31, 2015 and received the required number of votes in order for the results to be recognized by Canada. A total of 2,096 eligible referendum voters participated in total, over double the number of votes of any other referendum or election in MCA's history, and above the required threshold of 1,883 total votes.
"To say we are proud of Akwesasne is an understatement," said Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell. "For every referendum and election we have held, reaching the people and inspiring them to vote has always been the biggest challenge. This referendum has proven that the people of Akwesasne care about their community and the laws that guide us."
Akwesasne also made history with this referendum by becoming the first First Nation in Canada to utilize online voting. This process enabled community members to vote from anywhere, at anytime. MCA hired a team of referendum officers to visit every community member's home and assist them with the online voting process using electronic tablets.
"Online voting absolutely contributed to the success of this referendum and will most definitely be used again at MCA," said Justice Director Joyce King. "We hope that other Nations will be inspired to use this means of voting, especially when faced with requirements from Canada to obtain certain percentages of membership votes."
The 2,096 votes that were cast account for 26.7 percent of MCA's membership. Prior to this referendum, MCA's largest voter turnout in history was the 2003 General Election which received a total of 1,014 votes. (Note: There are different voter requirements for elections.)
The final results of the referendum will be announced on April 7, 2015 at the Council Meeting as required by MCA's referendum regulations. If the majority of votes were in favor of the Iatathróna Raotiientáhtsera 'Couples Property' Law being accepted, then Akwesasne will take over couples property jurisdiction for its membership and Canada's law will not apply.
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