Ute Tribe rejects vote challenge

FORT DUCHESNE — The Ute Tribe's Election Commission has denied a challenge of election results in the White River band by incumbent Business Committee member Elliot Ridley Eaglechief.

Ridley Eaglechief sought to have his 37-vote defeat to challenger Frances Poowegup overturned on the grounds that voters were unduly influenced in favor of his opponent because the military veteran was listed on the ballot as "Sgt. Frances Poowegup."

Poowegup retired from the army after 20 years with the rank of Sergeant. Her title was listed with her name due to a decision made by the Election Commission.

Election watchers say they believe the real reason for Ridley Eaglechief's challenge is because Poowegup was the only candidate who was outspoken in her opposition to the current Business Committee's reliance on controversial financial advisor John Jurrius.

At the challenge hearing last Thursday in the tribal auditorium in Fort Duchesne, about 50 people gathered in support of Poowegup. Ridley Eaglechief sought unsuccessfully to have the hearing closed.

The commission ruled that although Ridley Eaglechief did present "a logical and persuasive argument that the Tribal Election Commission erred in affixing the title 'Sgt.' to the name of Frances Poowegup, no evidence was presented demonstrating that affixing the title affected the outcome of the election."

The commission also said Ridley Eaglechief had ample time to protest the way Poowegup's name would be listed on the ballot after it was published as "Sgt. Poowegup, Frances" when the official results of the primary election were posted March 24.

Poowegup, along with newly elected Business Committee members Irene Cuch and Ron Groves will be sworn into office May 9. Cuch and Poowegup both have previous experience in tribal government. Groves has been employed by the tribe, but this is his first term on the governing Business Committee.

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