Grand Portage primary election narrows ballot for June election

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa held its primary election on Tuesday, April 3. The purpose of the primary was to narrow the number of candidates for two council seats, for secretary/treasurer and committeeperson I.

Moving on to the general election ballot for secretary/treasurer are April McCormick and Robert “Bobby” Deschampe.

McCormick received 47 votes at the polls and 68 absentee votes for a total of 115.

Deschampe received 58 votes at the polls and 38 absentee votes for a total of 96.

Incumbent Dennis Morrison garnered a total of 81 and Kevin Johnston received 7 votes.

Three people ran for the Committee Person I seat and William Myers and Rob Hull will be moving on to the general election.

Myers received 53 votes at the polls and 63 absentee votes for a total of 116.

Incumbent Rob Hull received 56 votes at the polls and 48 absentee votes for a total of 104.

Briand Morrison earned 79 votes.

Also on the ballot on for the general election will be two candidates for Committee Person II, John Morrin, the incumbent and Mike Keyport.

The general election will take place on June 12. Council members take office on July 9.

The Grand Portage Tribal Council is the governing body of the reservation and is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. The primary is being held in accordance with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe constitution, which calls for a primary if there are multiple candidates for the same seat.

The Grand Portage Tribal Council consists of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and two Committee members. All positions are four-year terms.