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Pawhuska
Posted: Jun 11, 2025 2:16 PMUpdated: Jun 11, 2025 2:16 PM
New Ward System Could Be Coming to Pawhuska
Ty Loftis
A petition has been signed by enough people in the City of Pawhuska to create an election that could change the way the voting is done in city-wide elections. As has been done for the last several years, Pawhuska has a ward system in place where four councilors must live in single-member districts and a fifth is selected on an at-large basis. Pawhuska voters aren't restricted to voting on candidates who reside within their ward, though.
In 2023, former Ward Two Councilor Steve Holcombe filed a lawsuit challenging the ward system and has shown interest in changing it to where all five councilors are chosen on at-large basis. A ruling on that lawsuit has not been made. Despite a ruling not being made, City Attorney Stephanie Clifton says an election has to be held.
Despite having to put this to an election, Ward Four Councilor Rodger Milleson voiced his displeasure with the possibility of a new voting system.
The Pawhuska School Board has an upcoming bond election, but the school district has said they don't want to share that election date with the City of Pawhuska. The election board must have a 60 day notice before an election is held. On Tuesday evening, the council tabled securing a date of the election, but hope to reconvene that topic at this coming Tuesday's special city council meeting.
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