Redistricting plans approved by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council have been vetoed by Principal Chief Chad Smith.

There are nine districts in the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county jurisdictional boundaries, seven of which have two representatives. The other two have one representative each. The legislation vetoed by Smith would have established 15 districts, with one council representative each.

The Council passed the proposal 15-2 over Smith’s objections.

Councilwoman Cara Cowan Watts said she supported redistricting.

“This is not anything new,” Watts said. “I am excited about this redistricting plan. Rogers County would have three more invested partners on the Council to make sure Rogers County is adequately supported by the Cherokee Nation.

“Is it ideal? No. But it is better than what we’ve got now,” Watts said. “It will ensure the Cherokee Nation is fully engaged in Rogers County.

In a release to the media earlier this month, Watts said Rogers County, which she represents, now has a larger number of Cherokee citizens than Adair and Mayes counties, which each have two representatives.

“No matter how you count it, there are more Cherokees in Rogers County than in Adair and Mayes County,” Watts said.

“In fact, many of the Cherokees living in Rogers County have moved from other Cherokee communities to take advantage of the greater economic opportunity near Tulsa. Our job at the Cherokee Nation is to bring jobs to our local communities. I am proud of the growth at the Cherokee Casino and Resort in Catoosa as well as Will Rogers Downs outside of Claremore.”

Watts said, many council members including Councilman Don Garvin of the District 4 (Three Rivers - Wagoner, Muskogee and McIntosh counties) feel council members should represent roughly the same number of Cherokee citizens.

“We are being shortchanged here in Rogers County,” Watts said.

In a Tulsa World report, Councilor Chuck Hoskin Jr. said he was optimistic that Smith’s veto would be overturned.

The tribe’s Constitution mandates that districts be redrawn every decade. The legislation uses readily identifiable boundaries, such as highways, county lines, bodies of water and other geographical features, to prevent voter confusion.