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Historic Settlement Empowers Chippewa Cree Tribe in Elections

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

A federal court settlement will alter the election process for county commissioners in Chouteau County, Montana, enabling the Chippewa Cree Tribe to elect a representative for the first time since 2012.
The settlement, approved this week, resolves a lawsuit by the Tribe and two Native voters, who claimed the at-large voting system diluted their voting power and violated the Voting Rights Act.
The new District 1 will encompass the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and conduct its first election in June 2026, improving representation for Native voters.

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Story summary

A federal court settlement will alter the election process for county commissioners in Chouteau County, Montana, enabling the Chippewa Cree Tribe to elect a representative for the first time since 2012.
The settlement, approved this week, resolves a lawsuit by the Tribe and two Native voters, who claimed the at-large voting system diluted their voting power and violated the Voting Rights Act.
The new District 1 will encompass the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and conduct its first election in June 2026, improving representation for Native voters.