Each year, the Tribal Membership meets to set policy for the Ho-Chunk Nation (HCN) at what is called the Annual Meeting of the General Council.  The meeting is one of the largest and most important annual events.  All eligible voters of the Ho-Chunk Nation are entitled to participate in General Council.  This year, General Council is scheduled to convene at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center near Wisconsin Dells on September 19, 2026.

     The meeting can be overwhelming or confusing for Tribal Members who have never attended.  Here is what attendees can expect to participate in this vital tribal function.

1. PARKING: Parking is Free.

2. REGISTRATION: Opens at 8:00 AM. Tribal members will need a Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal ID to register. If you do not have this you will need to locate the HCN Enrollment Division. They will be providing picture ID’s or verification forms for most of the day and the fee is currently waived. Register as soon as possible by locating a registration table.

3. VOTING CARD: At Registration, you will be assigned a voting card.  You will need this card to participate in the voting and collect the payout after adjournment. You will use this card when voting devices are handed out closer to when quorum is being reached.  The card will be inserted into the voting device.

4. FOOD: Breakfast will be provided for those early risers.  Lunch will be served mid-day.  All meals will be served buffet style to all non-elder/disabled Tribal members. There will be a “Snack Pack” provided at the end of the day.  Water and coffee will be provided and located throughout the meeting area.

5. FREE STUFF: Be sure to check out the HCN Department Informational Booths. Some booths provide items which may include pens, bags, umbrellas, T-shirts, etc.

6. VENDORS: Vendors selling goods and crafts will have booths as well.

7. OPENING ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be an Emcee for the early portion of the meeting and this person will be making important announcements that all Tribal members should know.

8. QUORUM: Once quorum is established through Registration and electronic vote.  Quorum is twenty percent of the eligible voters of the Ho-Chunk Nation.  The meeting will proceed with the first item of the day which is to nominate and select a chairperson. This will be the first official action of the General Council Meeting. When announced, you can pick up a voting device. It will come with a lanyard or wristlet so you can keep it attached to you. PUT IT ON IMMEDIATELY AND KEEP IT WITH YOU DURING THE ENTIRE MEETING. You will need this device to participate in the voting and collect the payout after adjournment. Bear Clan Security has been instructed to collect all devices that are left unattended and/or if you are found to be in possession of more than one voting device. All confiscated voting devices will be returned to the Registration Booth. If you need any help setting up your voting device please proceed to the Office of General Council Table.

9. AGENDA: Next will be to set the agenda. If you would like to present a Resolution to be voted on you must present it at the podiums that will be located in the meeting area. The chairperson will recognize (you) the speaker. Tribal member will give their name and last four digits of their Tribal Enrollment Number. REMEMBER: you must have a person designated to second your motion. Get to the mic quick if you want your resolution to be put on the agenda.

10. RESOLUTIONS: All presented resolutions will be addressed following a motion to close the agenda, a second, and an affirmative vote. Now the agenda is set for the day. All proposed resolutions will be displayed on the projection screens in the order that they were presented to be voted on by the General Council.

11. ADJOURNMENT: At any point during the day, a Tribal member can make a motion to adjourn the meeting with a verbal second. Once that is done, there will be a vote. If the vote is an affirmative for adjourning then the meeting will be concluded. This will end the business of the day.

12. VOTING DEVICE: Please turn in your voting device at the stations located near each of the exits.

13. PAYOUT: Following adjournment of the meeting you will proceed to a payout station to receive your $150 Administrative Fee for participating for the day.  At the payout station you will be asked to present your HCN Tribal ID, voting card, and sign the payout verification form. Please sign legibly. If any one of these criteria are not met you will NOT GET PAID.

     The Ho-Chunk Nation Election Board is also currently holding a Secretarial Election with the deadline of September 19, 2026, to amend the Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation.  Details of this election are also published in full.

     The Election Board mailed out ballots for this election on August 5, 2026.  Voters can return completed ballots by the U.S. Postal Service, in person to the Election Board office, or in person at the Annual Meeting of the General Council

     The Election Board is scheduled to be posted in the African Ballroom the day of the Annual Meeting of the General Council.  The polls open at 8:00 am and close two hours after the meeting adjournment.

     Look for up to date announcements from the Office of General Council on the Hocak Worak social media.