NESPELEM - According to a tribal election schedule, the opening date for filing candidate petitions in Colville Business Council 2009 elections is March 9.
     Petitions will be accepted starting at 7:30 a.m. The deadline for filing is 4 p.m. March 20 at tribal headquarters near Nespelem.
     The deadline for withdrawing petitions is 9 a.m. March 23. Candidates will be certified at 10 a.m. March 23 by the council election committee.
     The primary election will be May 2, with polling sites at the Inchelium Sub-Agency, Keller Community Center, Nespelem Community Center and Omak Senior Meal Site. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
     Poll votes will be certified May 4, with absentee votes certified May 7.
     The general election is Saturday, June 20, at the same polling places. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
     Poll votes will be certified June 22 and absentee votes June 25.
     The oath of office will be administered Thursday, July 9, during the council's annual reorganization meeting.