Elections & Voting

2022 Special Election

Here is where you will find all the latest information regarding the 2022 Special Election. 

Notice regarding vacancies with tiered terms: “The winning candidates with the highest votes will assume the positions with the longest terms” per Election Board motion on May 10, 2021

State, Local, and Federal Elections

Please see the message below from Chairman Hill about the importance of voting.

Basic Voting Information

In order to vote in Wisconsin you must:

● Be a citizen of the United States
● Be a resident of Wisconsin for at least 28 days
● Be 18 years old
● Proof of identification when voting at a polling place.  A Tribal ID is accepted.
● Not have been convicted of treason, felony or bribery, or have had your civil rights restored
● Not have been found by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the electoral process
● Not make or benefit from a bet or wage depending on the result of an election

Registration Deadline: 20 days before the election (or completed in the local voter registration office up to 5:00 PM the day before the election, or completed at the polling place on election day)

Click here for more information about voting.

In advance of the 2022 spring general election, the Oneida Nation and its conduit, Voices For Oneida, invited local candidates on the ballot April 5 in certain races to share information about themselves and their campaigns with the enrolled members of the Oneida Nation. Below are the responses that we received.

Candidates who are running in districts within Oneida Reservation boundaries were asked to participate in the questionnaire.

Hobart Village Board Trustee:

Vanya Koepke:

Why are you running for Hobart Village Board?

I am running for Hobart Village Board to invest into public safety through supporting our police officers, fire fighters, and first responders. I am also focused on creating a responsible tax base where taxes are used efficiently and constructively while building a place where businesses of all size can succeed. Lastly, I will work to improve infrastructure, parks, and roads.

How can you, as an elected official of the Village of Hobart, and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region?

I look forward to the opportunity of learning more about and respecting the Oneida Nation culture, while at the same time collaborating to increase efficiencies and productivity for all. I look forward to moving past barriers and creating bonds, choosing collaboration over competition, and ultimately putting people over politics while honoring Oneida’s rich history.

What are your top issues for seeking election and how do those issues affect tribal and non-tribal residents?

I am running for Hobart Village Board to invest into public safety through supporting our police officers, fire fighters, and first responders. I am also focused on creating a responsible tax base where taxes are used efficiently and constructively while building a place where businesses of all size can succeed. Lastly, I will work to improve infrastructure, parks, and roads. These priorities will ultimately improve the lives of all in the area and are a priority for me.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

I respect the Oneida Nation and their governance based on the 1936 tribal constitution.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

American Indian Tribes should have this ability based on the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing local governments right now and in coming months relating to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Challenges include prioritizing health for all when there is disagreement on best ways to implement safety measures. Further challenges are the economic impacts to local business, family budgets and a local government’s tax structure. However, by working together, there is an opportunity to emerge stronger than we were before.

Wisconsin, local municipalities and tribes continue to face a crisis due to the opioid epidemic. This crisis requires solutions at all levels of government. What solutions are you proposing in your campaign for public office?

Absolutely, the opioid crisis must be tackled by all levels of government working together. I would work with the Hobart and Oneida governments on education campaigns and looking at tackling the root cause of the issue of why people turn to opioids. An inclusive community that works together, creates places for healthy relationships, and fosters educational and supportive programs has an opportunity to improve lives. I will work to create a collaborative approach in tackling this challenge.

Green Bay City Council – District 11:

Michael Poradek:

Why are you running for Green Bay City Council?

I care about our Green Bay community and want to serve my neighbors across District 11, including members of the Oneida Nation, by focusing on local issues that matter to each of us on a daily basis. I’ve lived in the district for over eight years and for the past five I’ve served in neighborhood leadership as a neighborhood association president, chair of the city-wide Green Bay Neighborhoods organization, and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Nicolet Federated Library System representing Brown County, committing myself to service. My goal is to be an independent, nonpartisan, and new voice on the City Council, bringing authentic leadership, creative ideas, and a fresh perspective to solving problems and promoting new opportunities for our neighbors. I have already been involved in serving the community. I want to work with our community to make Green Bay an even better place to live, work, visit, and truly call home.

How can you, as an elected official of the Green Bay City Council, and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region?

If elected, I’m looking forward to bringing a clear commitment to collaboration and effective communication to my service on the Green Bay City Council. This especially includes ongoing, intergovernmental collaboration with the Oneida Nation which is achieved through mutual respect, intentional listening, and productive dialogue based on local issues that affect all of us. 

What are your top issues for seeking election and how do those issues affect tribal and non-tribal residents?

The top issues I have been focusing on in the campaign are issues that I have seen affect us here in District 11, such as ensuring resources for quality public safety, strategic improvement of infrastructure, and increasing regular communication and transparency between City Council and residents (for more information on my platform, please visit www.michaelporadek.com/platform). All of these issues are relevant to both tribal and non-tribal residents, and I am excited for us to continue to build from the existing intergovernmental agreement to continue to find ways to improve services and resources for all residents. 

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

I fully acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government and look forward to continuing to find opportunities for collaboration towards the common good. 

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

I recognize the difficult and problematic history of intergovernmental collaboration over time. Along with the current cooperative governance agreement between the Oneida Nation and the City of Green Bay, I support the ability for American Indian Tribes to purchase land and place it into trust status.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing local governments right now and in coming months relating to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Thankfully, we have seen a sharp decline in the pandemic; however, we still must remain attentive to the dangers it may have on our public health. Recognizing that Green Bay does not have a city health department, I believe there are opportunities to ensure that communication and strategies are in place between the Oneida Nation, the City of Green Bay, and Brown County so that clear, transparent, and quality health information is available for all residents.  

Wisconsin, local municipalities and tribes continue to face a crisis due to the opioid epidemic. This crisis requires solutions at all levels of government. What solutions are you proposing in your campaign for public office?

The opioid epidemic continues to affect all of our communities across Northeast Wisconsin. Along with open communication and sharing of ideas and approaches to address the issue impacting all citizens, I believe one area that often goes undiscussed is that of focusing on bringing together partners at the neighborhood level. As a neighborhood leader, I understand the great value and opportunity that could be found in fostering opportunities for neighbor-to-neighbor collaboration with local nonprofits and community partners. This includes those of the Oneida Nation and the City of Green Bay in creating healthier, safer neighborhoods. 

Melinda Eck:

Why are you running for Green Bay City Council?

I have been a leader in many capacities both professionally and within our community. I believe that experience, along with the skills I have learned through my training and implementation of that training as an executive director and facilitator since 2009, specifically in regards to emotional intelligence, which teaches you how to work with people from all different backgrounds will allow me to be a very effective city council member. I am personable and have been meeting with residents in the district face to face at their doors asking about their concerns because I truly care. Being a member of different committees/boards I have learned what it takes to be a team player that works together with others to create outcomes that are for the greater good of all.

How can you, as an elected official of the Green Bay City Council, and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region?

I have deep respect and admiration for the Oneida people and their history. I am a community builder and am active in the John Muir Park Neighborhood Association, serving as President. I am aware of regular meetings between representatives of the Oneida government, Neighborhood Association leaders, and city officials to pro-actively work through neighborhood concerns and accomplish projects of mutual interest. I would be very happy to participate in those meetings. I also will ensure good communication exists between the Green Bay Police Department and the Oneida Police Department.

What are your top issues for seeking election and how do those issues affect tribal and non-tribal residents?

As I talk with residents, both tribal and non-tribal, they are growing more concerned regarding the increase in crime within our city limits. We need to promote a safer community through strengthening and supporting our local police department. I will encourage communication with law enforcement in order to keep abreast of how we, as a city council, can support them. We can tackle these issues head on and fight for our neighborhoods and community. While I believe we have some tough challenges ahead, we have many opportunities to make Green Bay a safer and stronger community if we work together. In addition, our aging roads are a big concern for residents. I will work to make sure that the roads/infrastructure are being addressed in a systematic way through prioritizing them in the city’s budget.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes. The Oneida people have been part of our community since 1838. Although there were some issues that occurred between the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation in the recent past, I am confident we have turned a corner and with good and consistent communication we can work together for the betterment of all people within our community.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

The Cooperative Governance Agreement signed by the Oneida Nation and the City of Green Bay in 2021 prohibits Green Bay from objecting to land being placed in tax-exempt federal trust by the Oneida Nation. The City of Green Bay receives a yearly payment for municipal services rendered to tribal properties. I see no reason to object to this agreement and will honor it as a member of the Green Bay City Council.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing local governments right now and in coming months relating to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Primarily, COVID has taken many lives and created huge losses for our families. We need to be there for each other and support one another as community members. We are emerging from this crisis and must work together to support our businesses so our economy recovers, and people can earn a good living.

Wisconsin, local municipalities and tribes continue to face a crisis due to the opioid epidemic. This crisis requires solutions at all levels of government. What solutions are you proposing in your campaign for public office?

The City of Green Bay does not have a health department, but both the Oneida Nation and Brown County do. The opioid epidemic is a health crisis, and I will encourage good communication and partnerships between those two governments. If the City of Green Bay can assist in those efforts, I would listen and have an open mind so the crisis can be resolved, and individuals and families restored.