By Associated Press - Monday, March 8, 2021

MASHPEE, Mass. (AP) - Four people are running to become the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council’s next chairperson.

They are Nelson Andrews Jr., Kyle Bassett, Aaron Tobey Jr. and Brian Weeden, the Cape Cod Times reported Monday.

The chairperson’s job is to preside over tribal council meetings, serve as the coordinator over all tribal government activities, and act as the tribe’s official spokesperson.

The election is currently scheduled to take place through mail-in balloting through March 26. However, three tribal members, including Tobey, have sued the tribal council and the tribe’s election committee to allow in-person voting and reschedule the election.

The federally recognized tribe’s last two chairs have either been convicted of federal crimes or are currently facing federal charges.

Andrews, 44, is the tribe’s emergency management director and co-interim tribal administrator.

Bassett, 52, is a retired corrections officer and business owner.

Tobey, 64, is retired.

Weeden, 28, works at the Mashpee Department of Public Works.

Tribal members will also vote for the next council vice-chair, treasurer; and council secretary.

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