First hearing set on proposed changes to Kahnawà:ke's Election Law

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Commission (KLC) says the first hearing on proposed amendments to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Election Law is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge.

The proposed draft amendments are open for a 30-day feedback period that began September 25 and ends October 24. The hearing agenda includes a review of the proposed amendments and of feedback received during that period.

According to the KLC, the areas under review include ensuring consistency with other Kahnawà:ke laws, streamlining processes including selection of the Electoral Officer, and amendments proposed by community members on Council composition, vacancies in Council and an alternative election structure.

In the marked-up draft posted for feedback, Section 5 would replace the community election of the Electoral Officer with an appointment by the Kahnawà:ke Justice Commission after an evaluation process. The amendments are proposals and have not been adopted.

The process follows a June 11 Community Mandate Meeting, where the mandate to review and consider potential amendments was obtained. Three community representatives were selected to sit on the Technical Drafting Committee: Lynn Delisle, Shotehra Rice and Heather Jacobs Whyte.

The KLC says at least 10 pre-registrants are required for the hearing to take place. Community members on the Kanien'kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke Registry who want to attend should pre-register with Lana Snow by 4 p.m. on Monday, October 26. Walk-ins are welcome, but the meeting will not be held if 10 members are not present by 5:15 p.m.

Feedback can be sent to Lana Snow at 450-632-7500 or [email protected]. If the review is not completed on October 28, the hearing will continue Tuesday, November 3, at the same time and location.

In a separate notice, the Council's Justice Services Division has scheduled a Special Community Meeting for Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the New Community Justice Center to introduce the candidates being considered for appointment as Judges of the Court of Kahnawà:ke.