LAME DEER, Montana — October 13, 2026. With the November 3 Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council election approaching, Truth in Focus is seeking clear information about how qualified tribal members can vote when they are away from the reservation or unable to appear at a polling location.
The published Northern Cheyenne Revised Tribal Election Ordinance provides an absentee-ballot application process for qualified voters in specified circumstances. The procedures include a written, notarized application, but practical questions remain about how those steps work for eligible people in correctional facilities, voters living away from the reservation, and members who need assistance with mailing or notarization.
Questions from the community
Can a qualified voter in custody obtain the official application and access notarization? How are applications and ballots delivered and returned through facility mail? Is there assistance for people who lack postage or cannot easily access the election office? What instructions and deadlines apply under the current election administration?
These questions are not proof that any eligible voter has been denied a ballot. They are requests for the practical instructions people need to use the process.
Inquiry acknowledged; information pending
Truth in Focus contacted tribal representatives and spoke with personnel in person on October 13 while election-related training was underway in Lame Deer. Alicia Cano, identified in her email signature as office manager for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, confirmed receipt of a follow-up inquiry at approximately 8:22 a.m. MDT on October 13, writing, “Email received. I will get back to you on that.” The newsroom sent an additional written follow-up after speaking with her in person that morning, requesting election information and public Council records. As of the original October 13 publication, Truth in Focus had received no substantive written response supplying the absentee application, applicable deadlines, or custody-specific voting procedures.
The newsroom is exploring ways to make official forms and verified, nonpartisan instructions accessible to eligible tribal members in custody through the relevant facility’s established procedures. The current official application and facility-specific arrangements must be verified before those instructions are circulated.
Truth in Focus is not endorsing a candidate or telling anyone how to vote. We will publish confirmed election instructions and updates as they become available.
Related: Northern Cheyenne Election 2026: What Voters Should Know About Write-In Votes and Posted Notices List Nine Candidates. The latter reflects earlier posted notices, not a newly certified final candidate list.
Truth in Focus — Look at the record. Follow the facts. Ask the questions.