PEMBROKE — There will be only two contested races on Nov. 29 when members of the Lumbee tribe cast ballots for their new representatives in seven districts.

Filing for the election, which had to be done a second time when new districts were deemed unconstitutional by the tribe’s Supreme Court, ended on Friday.

Incumbent Larry Townsend will face challenger Larry Chavis in the 6th District, which includes North Pembroke and Raft Swamp, and incumbent Areatha Patterson will face challenger Annie Taylor in the 12th District, which includes Alfordsville, Maxton and Scotland County.

Incumbent Janie McFarland is unopposed in the 2nd District, which incudes Back Swamp, Fairmont and Smyrna, incumbent Alton Locklear is unopposed in the 3rd District, which includes Lumberton and West Howellsville, and incumbent Jan Lowery is unopposed in the 7th District, which includes South Pembroke and Union.

Challenger Corbin Eddings is unopposed in the 8th District, which is Burnt Swamp, as is Ricky Burnett in the 13th District, which is Cumberland County, Lumber Bridge, North St. Pauls and Parkton.

Incumbent Daniel Jones did not seek re-election in the 8th District, and incumbent William Maiden was forbidden by Lumbee law from seeking a third term in the 13th District.

Anyone wishing to get an absentee ballot application can do so by calling the Elections Board office at 910-374-6290 or by visiting the office at 707 Union Chapel Road, Suite D, Pembroke. Nov. 4 is the last day to request an absentee ballot application. The election will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Anyone with questions about the election or voting can call Shelia Beck-Jones, supervisor of elections for the tribe, at 910-374-6290.

Staff Report