Cherokee Can Make Campaign Contributions

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Cherokee Indians Given OK to Make Campaign Contributions

Family Policy Facts - July 5, 2002
The State Board of Elections recently ruled that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is not considered a corporation and is therefore free to donate money to the campaigns of state candidates. This would allow the tribe to donate up to $4,000 per election cycle to any candidate they choose. Before this ruling, the Cherokees were considered to be a corporation and therefore were restricted from giving any campaign donations. In fact, last year, the tribe made contributions totaling $24,000 to six legislative candidates, who were subsequently ordered to return the money. The Cherokee reservation is home to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel, which has seen significant growth and expansion in recent years.