LAWTON, Okla. (AP) — The Comanche Nation Election Board has determined that a runoff election for tribal chairman may have been tainted by alleged violations of tribal election ordinances.
Comanche Business Committee chairman candidate William Owens filed his protest of last week's election on Tuesday. According to unofficial results, Owens lost to William Nelson Sr.
Owens' complaint centered on a newspaper featuring a mock ballot mailed to tribal members a week before the election.
Owens also alleged there were campaigners within the 300 feet stipulated by election ordinances for voting sites.
The Lawton Constitution reports that after a presentation of allegations of violations of the tribe's election ordinances, the election board decided to seek a Bureau of Indian Affairs investigation.
A new runoff election has been scheduled for Dec. 3, unless the bureau makes a decision in the case.