SECTION 1. All full status* members of the Tribe who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and who hold a membership card have the right to vote in general council elections.

SECTION 2. All elective officials and tribal council members shall be chosen by secret ballot.

SECTION 3. General elections for elective tribal officials and tribal council members shall be held annually for terms expiring that year.

SECTION 4. General elections shall be held annually at the General Council meeting in June. Tribal members shall be allowed to vote in person or by mail at their choosing for General Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and By-Law Amendments. The Tribal Council shall adopt an elections code which shall include the option for tribal members to vote in person or by mail at their choosing. The Tribal Council shall appoint an elections board to conduct the elections under this section.

SECTION 5. The following members shall not be eligible for election to tribal office: those convicted of a felony crime or members who have been removed for cause from tribal office or employment.

(a) As used in Section 5 “removed for cause” of a tribal officer or employee means removal from tribal office or employment as the result of conviction in a court having jurisdiction or before the Elders Tribunal for serious actions including but not limited to:

(1) Committee of a felony or other infamous conduct involving fraud or moral turpitude, including, but not limited to, embezzlement, bribery, or perjury,

(2) For deliberate injury, conspiracy to cause injury, or attempted injury to the Tribe,

(3) For failure of the tribal officer to substantially perform the duties of their office when such failure continues for sixty (60) days or more following the officer’s receipt of written notice of such failure to perform such notice to include the specific nature of the failure and the means by which it can be remedied,

(4) By reason of the officer willfully engaging in gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Tribe, or

(5) By reason of the officer’s willful breach of duty to the Tribe in any material respect. A tribal officer or employee who has been suspended from their office or duties after formal charges being filed for any of the above activities shall be eligible for election to tribal office pending a formal decision of the charges by a court having jurisdiction or by the Elders Tribunal

*“Full status” members enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe as defined in the Cowlitz Policy of Membership.