Chippewa Cree Tribe sues Chouteau County over election system

The Chippewa Cree Tribe and two Native American voters filed a lawsuit Thursday against Chouteau County and its board of commissioners, alleging the county’s at-large election system violates the Voting Rights Act and undermines Native voters’ political power, according to Montana Free Press. Located in north central Montana, Chouteau County overlaps with the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and has a population that is about 16% Native American, census data shows.

The complaint argues the at-large system allows the white majority to control commissioner elections and prevents Native voters from electing candidates of their choice. Plaintiffs are asking the U.S. District Court in Great Falls to order a redistricting plan that includes at least one majority-Native district. Chouteau County Commissioner Chair Clay Riehl did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. One plaintiff, Tanya Schmockel, said in a statement that without representation, Native Americans “remain invisible in decisions that affect every part of our lives.”