Rama First Nation to elect new chief and council next month

Rodney Noganosh is not seeking re-election as chief; He is among 27 people running for the six councillor seats

Rodney Noganosh is not running for re-election as chief in next month's election in Rama First Nation, but he is seeking a councillor's seat. Nathan Taylor/OrilliaMatters file photo

Members of Rama First Nation will head to the polls next month to elect a new council.

Two people are seeking the chief’s seat, while 27 are running for the six councillor positions available in the Aug. 28 vote.

Rodney Noganosh is not seeking re-election as chief, but he is running for councillor.

Vying for chief are Ted Williams, a current councillor, and Cheryle Snache.

Incumbent councillors running for re-election are Jeremy St. Germain, Ted Snache and Tracey Snache. Ron Douglas and Nemke Quarrington are not seeking re-election.

The polling station at the Chippewas of Rama Community Hall, 5950 Rama Rd., will be open on election day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The advance poll will be available at the same location on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rama is taking steps to ensure the safety of candidates and electors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A limit on the number of people allowed in the building at the same time for the nomination meeting was in effect, and the hours for that meeting were doubled to ensure there was enough time for everyone to nominate.

Members were also mailed a nomination package in case they couldn’t or didn’t want to attend the meeting. There was also an option to email.

When it comes time to vote on election day and at the advance poll, there will again be a limit on the number of people allowed inside at once. Additional polling booths will be set up to move electors through in a timely fashion and they will be cleaned after each use.

All members will be sent a voting package to vote via mail if they so choose.

For those voting in person, pens and pencils will be used only once and can be taken by the elector or discarded.

Hand sanitizer will be available at polling stations.

Security will be on site.

Rama is urging people to wear masks.

The following people are running for councillor positions: