Congress members Eli Potts and Alice Goodfox are seeking reelection. SHANNON SHAW DUTY/Osage News
Two Osage Nation Congress members filed for candidacy seeking reelection in the June 6 General Election on Day One of the Congressional candidate filing period.
On Feb.1, Eli Potts filed for candidacy first that morning in seeking reelection for a second term on the 12-member Congress. Potts, who previously worked as the Congressional Office Budget Analyst, won his first election in 2018.
Later in the morning, Alice Goodfox also filed for candidacy seeking reelection for a fourth term in office. Goodfox won her first Congressional election in 2010 and won subsequent four-year terms in the 2014 and 2018 elections.
The candidacy filing period for those running for Congress is open through Monday, March 7, 2022, according to the Wahzhazhe Elections Office in Pawhuska where prospective candidates must file in person. Those seeking Congressional Office must be enrolled Osages, at least 25 years old on Election Day and have never been convicted of a felony, according to the 2006 Osage Constitution.
Due to the threat of a significant winter storm affecting the region, the Executive Branch announced ON government offices will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 2. Election Supervisor Alexis Rencountre said her office will also be closed and filing will resume when offices reopen.
At the time of filing for candidacy, prospective candidates must show proof of having a separate bank account in the candidate’s name or the candidate’s campaign. Candidates must also pay filing fees to the Election Office with the fee for Congress candidates set at $300. All candidates will be required to provide two campaign reporting statements listing campaign donations and expenditures out of the campaign bank account, according to the election rules and regulations.
All Congressional candidates who file for candidacy will be subject to background checks for felonies on their records before they are certified by the Wahzhazhe Elections Board to appear on the ballot.
The Election Board will meet on March 11 to consider certifying Congressional candidates, according to Board Chair Shannon Lockett.
For more information on the elections, filing for candidacy, or to register or update addresses for voting, and to request absentee ballots, contact the Election Office toll-free at (877) 560-5286 or visit its current website at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections
By
Benny Polacca
Original Publish Date: 2022-02-02 00:00:00