Hoopa Valley Tribe election results reported incorrectly, investigation launched

HOOPA, Calif. (KIEM) — An investigation is launched after results in the Hoopa Valley Tribal election are found to be incorrect.

There are photos circulating online with both unofficial and official results. Those photos indicate an 83 vote swing in favor of Arnold “Deacon” Ferris over Ryan Jackson.

According to a press release from the Tribal Chairman Byron Nelson, on June 18th a petition contesting the results was filed. Then on June 23rd, a recount discovered that the unofficial results for the Norton Field District were incorrect. Ferris had actually won by 80 votes rather than lost by 3 votes. Ferris has been declared the official winner.

The next day, the election board met to verify the results for the Mesket and Campbell Field Districts, both of which were calculated correctly. The board’s findings suggest individuals or groups have engaged in efforts to manipulate the election results.

According to Chairman Nelson, all information is being referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation and action.