Tribal elections close

The fate of some Colville Business Council positions is fuzzy as a result of polling last Saturday. Absentee ballots will be counted this Thursday, providing the final vote tally.

Both races in Nespelem are close. In Position 1, Brian J. Nissen led Ricky Gabriel, 105-97; and in Position 2, Sheilah Cleveland was ahead of longtime council member Andy Joseph Jr, 105-97.

In the two Omak council positions, the races are equally close.

In Omak Position 1, Karen Condon leads Richard Tonasket, 107-91, and Mel Tonasket leads Cherie Moomaw, 103-96 for Position 2.

In Inchelium District Position 1, Bessie Simpson led Stevey Seymour 98-68. In Inchelium Position 2, Elizabeth “Suzie” Allen led Allen Hammond, 99-70.

In the Keller District Position 1, Jack Ferguson led John Stensgar, 62-11.

Absentee ballots will be counted by Thursday and the vote certified to determine who wins in the various races.

There are 14 Business Council seats and half are elected every two years.

The swearing in of the new council members will occur on July 15.