One incumbent ousted in Fallon tribal election

The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's business council gained a new member following Saturday's general election.

Incumbent candidates prevailed, except for secretary Susan Willie's loss to challenger Laura Nihoa.

Incumbent Chairman Alvin Moyle emerged victorious over three challengers, with 164 votes, just under 46 percent of the total. Jack Allen drew 123 votes, while Bryan Hicks and Catherine Tuni-Williams finished with 35 and 29 votes, respectively.

Nihoa defeated Willie by 16 votes, receiving 180 votes to 164.

"I'm a little stunned," Nihoa said.

In the race for council member, incumbent Daniel "Sonny" Allen defeated Rulan Stands 181 votes to 157. Allen's victory was a stark departure from the Sept. 25 election, which was ruled null and void due to improper mailing of absentee ballots. Stands defeated Allen 198 to 179 in that election.

Candidates were elected to a four-year term on the Fallon Business Council.

A constitutional amendment concerning the amount of blood needed for tribal membership also passed. Members must possess one eighth Fallon Paiute or Shoshone blood.

Fewer voters turned out for Saturday's election, with 371 votes cast, compared to 415 in September.

The results highlighted the differing voting blocs of those who voted by absentee and those voting in person. Of the in-person votes, Jack Allen and Rulan Stands were the preferred candidates in their races. A stricter blood requirement amendment was also more popular.

Of the 372 ballots received, 125 were absentee.

Chairman candidate Jack Allen said many tribal voters he spoke with were apathetic about the election.

"I'm disappointed with the fact that less people voted, but a lot of people were dissatisfied with the system," he said. "We need so much improvement."

The election concludes a five-month political period for the tribe, which included two elections, an election challenge, tribal input forums, vandalism of candidate signs and the insertion of a forged editorial defaming four challenging candidates into editions of the Lahontan Valley News on the reservation.

Election challenges must be submitted by noon today. If a challenge is filed, a hearing will be held Friday. Election winners will be sworn in Feb. 22 if the election isn't challenged; March 8, if it is.

Josh Johnson can be contacted at jjohnson@lahontanvalleynews.com