All of the incumbents running in Saturday’s Keweenaw Bay Indian Community election have been returned to their jobs.
Unofficial results released by the Tribal government show that Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., easily won reelection in the L’Anse District with 307 votes. Former council member Eddy Edwards won the other available L’Anse District seat with 240 votes. Former council member Jennifer Misegan received 214 votes, and Jean Jokinen garnered 203.
Voters in the Baraga District cast 252 votes for incumbent Rodney Loonsfoot. The contest for the other available seat was a photo finish. Don Messer, Jr., received 209 votes, while Michael P. Lahti earned 208. The close vote will likely bring about a recount on Monday. Donald Chosa, Jr., earned 193 votes, and Carole LaPointe finished with 112.
Violet Friisvall Ayres will continue as the Tribe’s Associate Judge. She outpolled challenger Tyler Larson 284-225.
In a pair of advisory questions, voters balloted 321-192 against allowing Tribal members who live off the reservation to take part in elections. Voters split 367-146 in favor of installing term limits for Council members.
Totals and results remain unofficial until they are certified by the Tribal government.