Commissioners Open To Satellite Polls

After a comment was made by a visitor during a recent Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board meeting that Roosevelt was one of only two reservation counties that didn’t provide a satellite election location in the state, county commissioners explained that they are willing to provide the service.

Commissioners said that they followed the law by asking the Fort Peck Tribes in a letter whether they wanted a satellite office for the primary election. They said they didn’t received a reply.

“We offered,” Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said.

Commissioner Gary Macdonald explained that Western Native Voice is pushing for the tribes to request the satellite polling.

“I feel the tribes are satisfied with what we’re doing,” Macdonald said. He added that he plans to discuss the matter with TEB chairman Justin Gray Hawk Sr.

One challenge is that very few voters have used the satellite opportunities in the past. Macdonald remembers being told one year that it cost Roosevelt County about $1,100 per vote at a satellite.

Macdonald said the county election administrator’s office wants to make it as easy as possible for all registered voters to take part in elections.

“If the tribes have concerns, we will listen to them,” Oelkers said.