Candidates can begin filing to run for the newly created 12^th Anchorage Assembly seat starting at 8 a.m. on May 3. The deadline to file is May 10 at 5 p.m.

A special election will be held on June 21 to fill the new seat. Candidate forms are available at muni.org/elections or at the Anchorage Election Center (619 E. Ship Creek Avenue, Door D), and at the Municipal Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

The new Assembly seat is located in the newly drawn District 1 in north Anchorage, a typically left-leaning area of the city. Currently the leftist block of the assembly enjoys a 8-3 majority. Whoever is elected will become an Assembly representative for Seat L. The entire list of candidates who will be on the ballot will be posted at muni.org/elections/candidates.

Like the recent regular city election, the June 21 contest will be a mail-in election with every registered voter being mailed a ballot package. These are supposed to be mailed out at least 21 days before the actual election day. Traditional polling places will not be open and are not an option on election day.​

Ballots can then be returned at one of five secure drop boxes around town, at the Anchorage Vote Center or by sending it through the U.S. Mail with first-class postage.

To be an official election observer, volunteers must contact a specific candidate, complete a list of forms and undergo training. Observers watch votes during tabulation, point out concerns and attempt to address other issues as they arise.

For more information, contact Jamie Heinz, acting deputy clerk, at 907-243-8683 or elections@anchorageak.gov.

Click here to support the Alaska Watchman.