The Ho-Chunk Nation Election Board is rolling out a new voting process this year, designed to increase participation and transparency in a key constitutional amendment vote during the annual General Council meeting in September.

     This special edition of the Hocak Worak is meant to ensure that all tribal members are aware of the upcoming vote, which focuses on an amendment that would allow individuals who were enrolled in other tribes as minors, but who meet Ho-Chunk descendancy requirements, to enroll in the Ho-Chunk Nation.

     The vote will take place at General Council, and for the first time, members will also have the option to vote by mail.

     William Gardner, Attorney General, said the board wanted to get this information out as widely as possible.

     “The main point of the special edition is to give as much notice as possible,” Gardner said. “We want everyone to know about this new opportunity to vote and how the process will work.”

     The push to create this hybrid voting process came after a resolution passed at last year’s General Council, which called for constitutional amendments to be voted on at the following year’s General Council meeting.

     That resolution set the wheels in motion for the Legislature and Election Board to develop a system that allows members to cast their votes either in person or through the mail, making it easier for more members to take part in the Nation’s decision-making.

     In addition to the constitutional vote, the special edition also includes information about a District 1 special election. This election reflects recent redistricting changes, which now include the Minneapolis–St. Paul area as part of District 1.

     Attorney Erik Shircel, who advises the Election Board, explained that the new process is possible because of an amendment to Section 21 of the election code.

     Under the revised code, every eligible tribal member will automatically receive a ballot in the mail at least 30 days before General Council. These ballots no longer require notarization but must be witnessed by a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old.

     For those attending General Council in person, polling stations will be set up at the site. Voting hours will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or two hours after adjournment if the meeting ends earlier.

     Shircel also reassured members that election integrity remains a priority. If a member votes by mail but later decides to attend General Council and vote in person, only the in-person vote will be counted. The mailed ballot would be set aside, ensuring no one votes twice.

     “This new process gives tribal members who can’t make it to General Council an opportunity to still have their voices heard,” Shircel said. “At the same time, it maintains election integrity and ensures no one votes twice.”

     The change is especially important because amending the Constitution requires approval from at least 30 percent of eligible voters, while quorum at General Council requires just 20 percent.

     The hybrid system is designed to close that gap by allowing more members to participate, even if they cannot attend in person.

     Looking ahead, this hybrid approach is expected to become the standard for future constitutional amendment votes.

     While other pending resolutions, including those on procedural rules, transparency, and governance, are also being discussed, Gardner emphasized that the main focus this year is ensuring the proposed enrollment amendment remains clear and at the forefront.

     Tribal members are encouraged to watch their mailboxes in the coming weeks for ballots. Those who plan to attend General Council in person may vote at the meeting if they prefer.

     Leadership hopes this new process will make it easier for everyone to have a say in shaping the Nation’s future.

     For questions about the election process or ballots, members are encouraged to contact the Election Board office via telephone at 715-284-8900 or via email at Election.Board@ho-chunk.com.