Cherokee voters may have the chance to approve legalized marijuana use for adults and by-the-glass mixed drinks at establishments off casino grounds through referendum votes this fall.

In a narrowly divided vote Thursday, June 1, the Cherokee Tribal Council delayed deciding on a resolution seeking to upend a planned referendum  to approve the tribe’s first constitution in more than 150 years.

Former Principal Chief Michell Hicks will seek a fourth term as top executive for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians after dominating the field in a Primary Election held Thursday, June 1.

During Tribal Council Thursday, June 1, the body will consider resolutions seeking to legalize cannabis use for adults 21 and older and to allow mixed drinks to be served at “qualified establishments” on tribal land.

During its next meeting Thursday, June 1, the Cherokee Tribal Council is set to debate the future of a referendum vote that could give the tribe its first constitution in more than 150 years.

The tribe’s financial future was the crux of the conversation when all six candidates in this year’s race for principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians appeared for a debate Wednesday, May 17, at the Joyce Dugan Auditorium at Cherokee Central Schools.

II In the most heavily contested race on the ballot in this year’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians election, six people are seeking a four-year term as the tribe’s top executive. The diverse field in the race for principal chief includes experienced politicians, political newcomers and a range in between. During the Primary Election Thursday, June 1, voters will whittle the field down to two, with the highest vote-getters facing off in the General Election Thursday, Sept. 7.

FF Five candidates are running to earn a seat representing Yellowhill on Tribal Council 2023-2025, and the Primary Election Thursday, June 1, will send four of them on to compete in the Sept. 7 General Election. The two highest vote-getters there will win a two-year term on the tribe’s legislative body.

fF Five candidates are running for a term representing Birdtown on Tribal Council for the next two years.

Six candidates are hoping to earn one of two seats in what is an extremely unusual election year for Wolfetown Tribal Council.