SEPTEMBER 1, 2002
Smoke Signals 3
Absentee Ballot Tracking and Security Overview
The following information is an overview of the current situation
and procedural guidelines for the management of the absentee ballot
ing process for the upcoming Tribal Council election on September 7 at
the Tribal Community Center in Grand Ronde.
An initial mailing of ballotpaks (the automated absentee ballot de
livery system) occurred containing ballots with names printed as re
quested by candidates. In an effort to address the concerns expressed
by some candidates and to implement a solution that would be the
most equitable to all candidates, the Election Board, after consulta
tions with the Tribal attorney's office and the election administrator
under contract to the Tribe, directed the election administrator to pro
duce a corrected version of the ballotpak with explanations and in
structions to the voter enclosed to be mailed to the same voters sent the
original ballotpaks. The subsequent mailing was differentiated from
the initial mailing by red identification printing of the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde seal and by other red printed on the associated
envelopes in the ballotpak as well as on the corrected ballot. The cor
rected ballot was also designed with a unique security ID code so that
it would require a separate ballot tabulator be used to read and count
the ballot.
A special version of the auto vote ballot tracking system provided by
the election administrator was designed and implemented to track all
outgoing and returned ballotpaks, prevent multiple ballots from indi
vidual voters being accepted, provide for signature verification and to
generate audit reports indicating the status and handling of each
ballotpak. The election administration provided separate locking bal
lot boxes to the Election Board to allow the two types of ballotpaks
returned to the Election Board post office box to be kept physically
separated and secured. The keys to the ballot boxes remain in the
possession of the election administrator.
Prior to tabulation, the election administrator, in the presence of the
Election Board and any authorized observers, will use the process out
lines below to verify the acceptability of returned ballotpaks and then
process them for tabulation in the normal manner.
It's important to note:
All voters eligible to receive a ballotpak have been issued a corrected
package.
In the case a voter returning only the package from the initial mail
ing, if all other eligibility and submission requirements are met, that
package will be accepted and the enclosed ballot tabulated.
In the case of a voter returning a package from both mailings. The
package identified by the red seal and red identification printing will
be the first package considered for acceptance and tabulation of the
enclosed ballot.
The secrecy of a voter's ballot choices is in no way compromised by
this procedure.
All other legal requirements for acceptance of a returned ballotpak
will remain in effect.
No voter will be disenfranchised from the election process, whether
they return one or both of the issued ballotpaks.
The decision to implement this process was made so that both
candidate's and voters reasonable expectations that the name appear
ing on the ballot would be an accurate representation of the candidate's
desire would be met. ,
Ballot Envelope Tracking and Log In Procedures
1. Scan and log all red logo envelopes.
Set scan log code for red verification.
Process all red logo envelopes and secure.
2. Scan and log code for all black logo envelopes.
Set scan log code for black verification.
Process all black logo envelopes.
If red logo envelopes have been scanned for a voter, a notifica
tion message will appear preventing acceptance of the black logo
envelope. These envelopes will be segregated and not processed
further.
Process all other black logo envelopes and secure.
3. Perform signature verification check on envelopes processed
for acceptance.
4. Process accepted ballotpaks for tabulation.
5. Generate tabulation results from ballot tabulators.
6. Generate final ballot accounting reports.
7. Merge absentee ballots totals.
8. Combine absentee and in- person voting totals.
9. Generate final election canvassing reports.
Weight Watchers is coming to your area!
Are you dreading those extra pounds, and want to loose weight? If so, would
you like to join Weight Watchers? This program will start in September (date
to be determined), around 5:30 p.m., Monday night with the location to be deter
mined (depending on class size). We need a minimum of 20 participants to en
roll. This is a 13-week series and the cost is $142.35. You must pay the entire
amount up-front. Included in the cost is: weekly meetings (not mandatory) and
weigh-ins. Discover the benefits that have helped millions reach their goal.
Weight Watchers is open to SMC, CTGR, and the community.
Don't let this great opportunity get away from you. Take control of your
health and reach that goal now. It's never too, late!
If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Tammy
Gould, Spirit Mountain Human Resources Benefits Department at 503-879-2350
ext. 3832.
Happy 87th Birthday!
Tribal Elder
Isabelle (Jeffers) Fry
Celebrated her birthday in
Coquille, Oregon on July 5, 2002.
God bless you Mom.
From your kids, Bonnie, Louise & Gene,
Grand kids, great grand kids and
great-great grandson.
"' j
Person(s) must be able to attend meetings once a
month and occasional travel out of town is required.
Must possess an interest in lifelong learning and
helping Tribal members achieve their goals.
Please send applications by September 16 to the Education Committee,
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, Oregon, 97347, Att: Marion Mercier
Free Classes For Caregivers of Older Adults
Free classes for caregivers of older adults are offered for six weeks begin
ning Sunday, September 22, in Salem. The classes: "Taking Care of You:
Powerful Tools for Caregiving" are designed to help caregivers learn skills
to take care of themselves while they provide care for a family member,
friend or neighbor. Topics covered in the classes include: tools to help
reduce stress; how to communicate effectively with family members, doc
tors, and service providers; the importance of care; how to reduce guilt,
anger and depression; relaxation techniques and how to make tough deci
sion. This is a six-week course. Each weekly class will run for two and a
half hours, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 at the Department of Human Service Com
munity Human Services office on Cherry Avenue in Salem. To register
for the free classes, call 503-304-3473.
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Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority
Only Ten Grants Left 2002 Down Payment Program
The Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority's budget for Down Pay
ment Grants is nearing the end of the available funds for 2002. Forty
two grants have been awarded since January, with an additional four
teen in process of closing. This leaves funding for approximately ten more
grants before the end of the year.
Turning in, or having an application on file with the Housing Authority
does not ensure that a grant will be made available to you. A grant can
not be reserved for a specific home purchase, until our office has received:
1) a completed application from a qualified Tribal member,
2) a letter of pre-approval from a lender,
3) verification of total household income, and
4) a copy of a purchase agreement to start the buying process.
Please note: If you are thinking of entering into a purchase agreement,
and still hope to receive a Down Payment Grant this year, it is important
that you contact our office before making an offer on a home, to ensure
the grant dollars are still available. Nancy Holmes may be reached by
calling 1-800-422-0232 ext. 2445 or 503-879-2445.
It is a continuing pleasure to work with so many of you in achieving
your dream of a home ownership.
Loans made Easy
Mortgage and Small Business
Interest rates are low, Larry Risteen wants to help Tribal members...
Larry Risteen, a Grand Ronde Tribal member, is specializing in creative lend
ing referrals, he has positioned himself as a resource for Indian Housing Au
thorities. Referrals include first time home buyers, debt consolidation, refi
nance clients and the first time home assistance pro
gram offered to Tribal members under HUD's Indian
Housing Grant program. Referrals also apply to credit
challenges such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, self-employed,
owner, non-owner occupied and SBA financ
ing. You will be referred to an equal opportunity
lender, licensed in all states where licensing laws al
low. For more information how to get your referral to
day, call Larry at 503-392-4960.