With the 2020 election season continuing while social distancing is encouraged to prevent exposure to the coronavirus spread, the Osage Nation Election Office conducted its candidate workshop presentation by video for those seeking Congressional office.
The Election Office canceled the March 20 in-person candidate workshop for the 15 certified candidates as part of coronavirus spread preventive measures. In its place, the office produced a 12-plus-minute video shared with the candidates afterward. The video is also available on the “Osage Elections” YouTube channel.
There are 15 certified candidates seeking six seats opening on the Seventh ON Congress in the June 1 general election. As part of the video presentation, the Election Office discussed upcoming candidate information, including campaign reporting statements.
Per the election rules and regulations, the Election Office is authorized to set rules on candidate reporting statements, which are required to be submitted twice detailing campaign-related donations and expenses. The first statement is due at the Election Office the week of May 11-15 and the second one is due by June 16.
The Election Office identifies donations as candidate self-donations, previously used campaign materials from a prior election campaign, individual monetary donations (contributions from individuals), individual in-kind donations (contributions in the form of goods and services), business entity donations and anonymous/ unidentifiable monetary donations. For expenses, all goods and services purchased for a campaign must be listed on the campaign reporting statements.
Candidates who do not submit campaign reporting statements by the deadlines are fined $500 by the Election Board and fines of $125 could be assessed for failing to correct any deficiencies identified by the board or for not using the candidate campaign bank account, according to Election Office campaign finance tips.
“All donations from individuals, corporations, LLCs or any business entity shall be reported, as well as expenditures, from the beginning of the campaign (whether or not such campaign began prior to the official candidate filing period) up to the statement filing date,” Election Supervisor Alexis Rencountre said in the video.
The Election Board and staff will review the submitted statements and any identified deficiencies with the statements must be corrected within three business days or a fine will be issued, the video states. In the end, the Election Office states: “Failure to pay fines shall prohibit the candidate from filing for office for future elections until the fine is paid.”
The June 1 Election Day polling place will be at the ON Civic Center at 1449 W. Main St. in Pawhuska from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The presentation also mentioned there will be two early voting days scheduled May 29 (noon to 7 p.m.) and May 30 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) also at the ON Civic Center in Pawhuska.
For election results, the six Congressional candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be elected. There are at least two Constitutional amendment questions, which will also appear on the ballot. For the Constitutional amendments, 65% of electors must vote “yes” for the amendment to pass, Rencountre said.
For more information on the election and voter forms, visit the ON Election Office website at: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections or call toll-free (877) 560-5286.
By
Benny Polacca
Original Publish Date: 2020-03-30 00:00:00
