The Cherokee tribal election committee ordered a recount of more than half of the ballots cast in the election for principal chief. The election had 8,120 ballots cast, but more than 18,000 Cherokees were registered to vote. The recount was requested by several losing candidates, with concerns raised about the conduct of the election. The winner of the election, Ross Swimmer, had the endorsement of the retiring principal chief, W. W. "Bill" Keeler, and emphasized the need for tribal unity. The recount was set to take place on Wednesday.