The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe will open its voting booths for the primary election of tribal council offices next week. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the July 15 primary will be on the ballot for the 2009 general election scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Tribal chairman candidates are Ron His Horse is Thunder, incumbent; Archie D. Fool Bear, Avis Little Eagle, Tim Mentz Sr., Charles W. Murphy, Frank White Bull, Antoine E. American Horse Jr., Jesse "Jay" Taken Alive and Anthony E. Lewis.

Tribal vice chairman candidates are Matt Strongheart Lopez, Joseph White Mountain Sr., Jeffrey M. McLaughlin Sr., Mike P. Faith and Ron Brown Otter.

Tribal secretary candidates are Geraldine Agard, unopposed. Bear Soldier District Council representatives: Phillip L. McLaughlin, Anthony White Mountain Sr., K. John Red Bear, Nola Taken Alive, Errol Doug Crow Ghost Jr. and Marie Brown. Cannon Ball District: Evans Elk, Sharon Two Bears and Robert Fool Bear Sr. Kenel District: Kerby St. John, Theodore "Warren" Marshall, Mike Claymore and Anthony Vermillion. Long Soldier District: Henry G. Harrison, James R. "Joe" Dunn, Bernice "Birdy" Iron Eyes, Katherine Bailey, Thomas R. Kuntz, Holy Bailey and Wayland Bad Hand. Porcupine District: Richard D. Bird Jr., Randal J. White Sr. and James T. McLaughlin.

For information regarding Standing Rock Tribal elections, call the Election Office at 1-701-854-3719 or 701-854-2132.