The Pawnee Business Council has announced the cancellation of a previously scheduled Secretarial Election on proposed constitutional amendments, citing the need to ensure proper notice and compliance with tribal law.
In an update to voters, the Council said the election, originally planned for March 2026, was called off to guarantee that all members of the Pawnee Nation receive clear information about the procedures governing the vote. Leaders emphasized that the decision was made to uphold the integrity of the process and ensure it aligns fully with the Nation’s legal requirements.
The cancellation follows weeks of confusion involving the roles of the Pawnee Nation Election Board and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in administering the federal Secretarial Election. At issue were questions about how the election should be conducted at the tribal level and what steps were necessary to properly notify eligible voters.
On March 13, 2026, tribal officials received formal clarification that Secretarial Elections must be carried out in accordance with the Nation’s own laws. The guidance followed a March 12 correspondence from the Department concurring with the withdrawal of a prior petition for the election and encouraging the Nation to proceed within the framework of its governing document.
In light of that clarification, the Council said cancelling the election was necessary to ensure fairness and transparency, particularly in providing adequate notice to all eligible voters.
The Pawnee Business Council said it remains committed to working with the Election Board to reschedule the vote on the proposed constitutional amendments as soon as possible. Officials said their goal is to move forward in a way that is orderly, lawful, and respectful of the rights of Pawnee Nation citizens.
Updated information on revised procedures and a new timeline will be shared with tribal members once those details are finalized.
