More than 54 percent of registered voters on the Blackfeet Nation of Montana participated in council elections on Tuesday, the tribe said.

The turnout is believed to be a record, the chairman of the election board said. A total of 92 candidates had run for the council, also believed to be a record.

"People just have a huge interest in tribal government," election board vice chairwoman Wilma Champine told The Great Falls Tribune.

Willie Sharp Jr., who currently serves as chairman, won his bid for re-election. He defeated former chairman Earl Old Person to represent the Browning District.

Incumbent Paul McEvers defeated Debbie White Grass Bull Shoe for another seat in the Browning District. Former chairman Jesse "Jay" St. Goddard beat incumbent Roger "Sassy" Running Crane in the Heart Butte District.

State Sen. Shannon Augare defeated former chairman William "Bill" Old Chief for the Seville District. Woodrow "Jay" Wells defeated Greg B. Gilham for the Old Agency District.

Get the Story:
Sharp defeats Old Person in Blackfeet elections (The Great Falls Tribune 6/30)

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