Gov. Bill Anoatubby

With the 150th Anniversary celebration of our Chickasaw Constitution recently completed, now is a good time to reflect on the awesome responsibility we have as Chickasaw citizens.

I am, of course, referring to our duty to vote in our tribal elections.

To many Chickasaws of voting age, this year has probably seemed like a year full of elections. We have had elections for tribal legislators and tribal judges. We have had runoff elections. There is also a special legislative election now in progress. The winner of this election will fill the Pontotoc District seat which became vacant upon the September death of longtime legislator Mooniene Ogee.

Additionally, because of the large number of candidates seeking to succeed Mrs. Ogee, the Pontotoc District voters will most likely also be asked to vote in a runoff election between the two top vote-getters.

This year may seem as if it has featured a lot of voting, but it is all extremely important. The more participation by Chickasaw citizens, the more energetic and alive our tribal government becomes. You are the lifeblood of our tribal mission, and you are the reason our tribal government exists.

Our government is organized under the 1983 Chickasaw Constitution as a republic with three branches – executive, legislative and judicial. This system mirrors that of the United States. Of course, the people who fill those branches are selected by you.

Your vote has tremendous power and importance. And the more Chickasaw voters who participate in the process, the better the government reflects your wishes. As new Chickasaw voters come on line, the more energetic the process becomes.

When you vote, you are holding your elected officials accountable for their stances on issues, and their actions while in office. Chickasaw candidates work very hard to get Chickasaw voters to support them. They make calls to voters, send out information and try to interact with Chickasaws wherever they can.

When they are elected, these candidates are expected to fulfill the obligations inherent in the office, and to deliver on promises they have made to their constituents. As an informed voter, your vote tells the candidate how you perceive his platform or, if he or she is an incumbent, how you perceive his performance in office.

You, along with your fellow Chickasaw voters, hold the future of the tribe in your hands. When you cast your ballot and mail it in, you are determining the direction your tribe will take on a myriad of issues.

This is truly direct democracy, and the power is with those who are affected by government decisions – the Chickasaw people. This is how it should be.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as your chief executive. Part of that honor is engaging in the process of elections and democratic government, and working together with so many fellow Chickasaws. I have engaged in many campaigns as a tribal candidate, and I can tell you it is a great experience. It never fails to amaze me how much I learn from conversations with Chickasaw voters.

I encourage you to be engaged. I encourage you to vote, in this current legislative election and in all future tribal elections.

Your participation in the election process guarantees a lively and responsive tribal government.