| |
CONSTITUTION CONVENTION On February 18, 2006, the Mvskoke people voted to amend the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Constitution via referendum vote. 76.5% of the voters were in favor of the change. The significance of this amendment allows for the convening of a Constitutional Convention. Second, it enables all eligible voters of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to have the opportunity to recommend changes to the Constitution. Lastly, it established a Constitutional Convention Commission to promulgate rules and to conduct public hearings throughout the Nation. Some of the duties of the Commission are to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the process of a Constitutional Convention, to establish a fair and equitable process to accept citizens’ views on Constitutional amendments, revisions, alterations, or additions, to establish a calendar for all public hearings, and to prepare a public report of all proposed amendments, revisions, alterations, or additions. The duties of the citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation would be to study the Constitution, help to avoid frivolous changes, and to stay active with the Commission. The process of the Constitution Convention Commission will consist of 1) all eligible voters of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation shall have the opportunity to address Constitutional changes. 2) The Constitutional Convention Commission shall conduct public hearings at various locations throughout the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 3) Submit all Constitutional amendments in writing using the Amendment form. 4) Sign and notarize the form when submitting it. A notary will be provided at all public hearings. 5) The Constitutional Committee will provide assistance to citizens needing help drafting proposed amendments. Also, translators will be provided in Mvskoke –English and Mvskoke-Euchee translations. After a comprehensive report is prepared, the Commission will work directly with the election board to prepare the appropriate wording for the separate ballots for each amendment, revision, alteration, or addition to be submitted to the citizens at the election. This work will be completed by February of 2007. Any amendments, alterations, revisions, or new articles proposed shall be submitted to the voters at a special election within 180 days, unless there is a General Election within 180 days. The amendments must be approved by a majority of the eligible voters before being effective. |
|
