Tribal election poll results in

The results of Saturday’s Colville Business Council primary election, minus absentee ballots, show that in two of the races, it appears incumbents are in for serious challenge.

The Keller District position 1 incumbent, Darlene Zacherie got 23 votes while challenger Jack W. Ferguson received 34 votes. Others in the Keller race include Leroy Jerred (0) votes; Sylvia Tatshama Peasley (2) votes and John F. Stensgar (23) votes. Absentee ballots will decide which two advance to the general election.

And in the Nespelem District position 1 race, incumbent Brian Nissen with 70 votes trails challenger Deb Louie who had 77 votes. Others in that race were Ricky Gabriel (53) votes; Randy Laramie (21) votes; Joaquin Marchand (43) votes and Tum-chis-li-wit Myland Williams, Sr., (5) votes.

The Inchelium District position 1 race, with the incumbent not running, the polling vote count was close with David T. Madera (63) votes; Doug Seymour (54) votes; and Stevey Seymour with (62) votes,

In the other three District races the incumbents had healthy leads.

Ernest “Sneena” Brooks, the incumbent, led in the Omak District position 1 race with 118 votes. Others in that contest were Shirley K. Charley (69) votes; Karen Condon (33) votes; Stuart Sellars (36) votes and Richard Tupling (69) votes.

In Omak District position 2, incumbent Benny Marchand, Jr., led with 145 votes. Others in that race were Anne “Muffin” Marchand (33) votes; Michael E. Marchand (112) and Luana L. Squetimkin (32) votes.

Andrew Joseph, Jr., had a substantial lead in the Nespelem District position 2 race and unless the absentee ballots provide a surge, will likely make it to the general election on June 15. Joseph had 107 votes. Others trying for a slot in the general election are Charlene Bearcub (39) votes; Jonnie L. Bray (33) votes; John St. Pierre (39) votes and Enid T. Wipple (54) votes.

There was no primary election in the Inchelium District position 2 race.

The deadline for receiving absentee ballots is Thursday, May 9.

The top two candidates in each of the races advance to the June 15 general election and the winners there will take the oath of office on July 11.