Frequently asked questions regarding the 2026 Tribal Council election
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Election Board has received questions regarding ballot materials and procedures for the 2026 General Election. The following information is intended to provide clarification regarding these questions and help voters properly complete and return their election materials.
Q: WHY WASN'T RETURN POSTAGE INCLUDED WITH THE BALLOT PACKET?
A: Unlike in previous election years, prepaid postage was not included on the 2026 return ballot envelopes due to limitations with the postage meter available to the Election Board.
Q: MY BALLOT ENVELOPE ARRIVED SEALED OR STUCK TOGETHER BECAUSE OF RAIN/MOISTURE. WHAT SHOULD I DO? (Election Code, Section 9-5-10)
A: Please contact the Election Board at electionboard@PoncaTribe-ne.gov as soon as possible to request replacement materials.
Q: I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO EMAIL AND/OR A PRINTER TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT BALLOT. WHAT DO I DO?
A: If you do not have access to email and/or a printer, you may contact or visit a Ponca Tribe of Nebraska office coordinator to obtain the required Replacement Ballot Request Form, or a family member or other trusted individual may assist by accessing and printing the Replacement Ballot Request Form on their behalf. The voter must complete and sign the required form themselves.
Replacement Ballot Request Forms may be sent via email or mail.
A request for a replacement ballot must be received by the Election Board at least ten (10) business days prior to the election. For the 2026 Election, this deadline is October 20, 2026. (Election Code, Section 9-5-10)
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A REPLACEMENT BALLOT? (Election Code, Section 9-5-10)
A: a. If a ballot is destroyed, defaced, lost or not received by the registered voter, the registered voter may obtain a replacement ballot from the Election Board by signing a statement verified on oath or affirmation on a form prescribed by the Election Board that the ballot was destroyed, defaced, lost or not received.
b. After the Election Board receives a request for a replacement ballot with a statement meeting the requirements of this Section, the Election Board shall mail a replacement ballot to the registered voter at the address shown on the statement by express mail or other rapid delivery to ensure receipt and return of the replacement ballot before the polls are closed.
c. The Election Board shall keep a record of all requests for replacement ballots and all replacement ballots provided. Do not discard your original election materials until you receive instructions from the Election Board.
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A SPOILED BALLOT? (Election Code, Section 9-1-4)
A: a. Has not been marked;
b. Has been marked with more than one choice where only one choice is allowable;
c. Is otherwise illegible;
d. Contains a "write-in" candidate; or
e. Where the voter's choice is not clear.
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES AN INVALID BALLOT? (Election Code, Section 9-5-14)
A: a. A voter's name is not on the voter registration list;
b. The information on the certificate is not readable;
c. The ballot was not returned in the proper return identification envelope;
d. The proper return identification envelope is missing either the ballot or the certificate;
e. The ballot packet is already opened;
f. The ballot packet otherwise indicates tampering; or
g. Otherwise constituting an invalid ballot.
Q: WHY IS THE VOTER CERTIFICATION STATEMENT SEPARATE FROM THE BALLOT? (Election Code, Section 9-5-7)
A: a. The Election Ordinance requires election materials to include an inner envelope marked “Official Ballot,” a voter certification, and a return identification envelope. The Official Ballot envelope contains the completed ballot, while the certification accompanies the returned election materials.
b. The separation of these materials is also part of the ballot-counting process. When ballots are processed, the Election Board verifies the name on the certification against the approved voter registration list. If the voter's name and registration are valid, the sealed ballots are placed in separate containers before they are counted.
Questions regarding the election may be directed to the Election Board at electionboard@PoncaTribe-ne.gov.
