winnebago tribe of nebraska secretarial election

The Winnebago Tribe has initiated a Secretarial Election to amend the Winnebago Tribal Constitution. Beginning June 29, all adult tribal members began receiving voter registration packets from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by mail. Tribal members should carefully read the packet, complete the voter registration form, and return it in the prepaid envelope right away in order to participate in the Secretarial Election. Do not throw the packet away.

Key Information –

  • Who should register: All adult Winnebago tribal members who want to vote in this Secretarial Election.
  • How to register: Complete the voter registration form mailed by the BIA and return it in the prepaid envelope.
  • Mail-by date: Mail the voter registration form no later than July 7, 2026, to help ensure timely delivery.
  • Registration deadline: Forms must be received by the BIA no later than 12:00 p.m. MT on July 17, 2026.
  • Voting method: This election is conducted by mail only.
  • Ballot deadline: Ballots must be received by the BIA no later than August 26, 2026.
  • Need a voter registration form? Contact Delores Springer, Winnebago Secretarial Election Board Chairperson, at (402) 878-2502.

Voter registration forms must be received by the BIA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, no later than 12:00 p.m. MT on July 17, 2026. To allow for regular mail processing and possible delays, tribal members should mail their forms no later than July 7, 2026.

If you have not received a voter registration form by mail, please contact Delores Springer, Winnebago Secretarial Election Board Chairperson, immediately at (402) 878-2502.

Proposed Amendment

The proposed amendment would add the following language as Article II, Section 4 of the Winnebago Tribal Constitution: “Beginning on the date this amendment is approved by the Secretary of the Interior, no person aged twenty-five (25) or older may apply for enrollment with the Winnebago Tribe if that person was previously enrolled in another federally recognized Indian Tribe.”

If adopted, this amendment would prohibit any person who is (1) age 25 or older and (2) previously enrolled in another federally recognized Tribe from enrolling in the Winnebago Tribe. The change would take effect on the date the Secretary of the Interior approves of the election results and would apply to enrollment applications submitted from that date forward.

This proposed amendment would not change the tribal enrollment blood quantum requirement. There are no other constitutional amendments being voted on in this Secretarial Election.

Secretarial Election Process

The Secretarial Election is conducted by mail only and has two steps: (1) completing a voter registration form and (2) submitting a ballot. The voter registration packet, which has already been mailed, includes the Secretarial Election Notice, Rules of Secretarial Election, Secretarial Election Voter Registration Form, and a copy of the proposed amendment.

Voter Registration

Adult tribal members must register to vote in this specific Secretarial Election. To register, adult tribal members must complete the form and mail it to the BIA, so it arrives at the designated address in Albuquerque, New Mexico, no later than 12:00 p.m. MT on July 17, 2026. A prepaid envelope is provided in the packet to return the form.

Tribal members are encouraged to mail the form in the prepaid envelope no later than July 7, 2026, to help ensure it is received on time. The form may also be sent by express mail no later than July 14, 2026; however, any express mail cost is the sender’s responsibility.

If you do not return the Voter Registration Form by the deadline, you will not be allowed to vote in this Secretarial Election.

Secretarial Election Vote

After the Registered Voters List is finalized in late July, the BIA will mail ballots and voting instructions to tribal members who registered to vote. Ballots must be completed and returned by mail. Ballots must be received by the BIA at the Albuquerque address no later than August 26, 2026.

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Read your BIA packet, return your voter registration form on time, and watch for your ballot. Your participation matters!