Karuk Tribe Gets a New Chairman

Record Voter Turnout Brings Changes to Tribal Council

By Allie Hostler, Two Rivers Tribune

Last Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Karuk Tribe saw about 500 ballots at the polls with votes ousting former Chairman Arch Super after two terms of service, eight years, according to the unofficial general election results posted online at karuk.us

Past elections have brought anywhere from 150-250 voters according to Karuk Vice Chairman, Michael Thom.

“Usually more voters turn out for elections when a chairman or vice chairman is on the ballot,” Thom said. “But this was an unusually high turnout, yes.”

More than half of the ballots were cast absentee. The others were tallied at polling places in Yreka, Happy Camp and Orleans.

Russell Attebery won the Chairman’s seat, a paid position, with 260 votes. Super trailed by 21 votes.

The Secretary/Treasurer position, an unpaid position, was formerly held by Florrine Super. Super was outvoted, along with Alvis Johnson, by Joseph Waddell.

Johnson will maintain his seat as a Member at Large for the Happy Camp District.

Florence Conrad took 335 votes for the Orleans District Member at Large Position. Maggie Morrow trailed by 191 votes.
The Karuk Tribe holds elections every year for various seats. Next year two seats will be up for reelection—the Members at Large for the Happy Camp District.