TODAY: Major Alaska election reform bill set for presentation and public testimony
Sen. Mike Shower has spent countless hours crafting and reshaping a bill that aims to strengthen election integrity, voter identity and ballot tracking in Alaska. The goal is to ensure that the public trusts that elections are fair and legal and secure.
Alaskans in some parts are far less inclined to get the COVID jab
According to the latest figures from the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, 39.1% of Alaskans (age 16 years and older) are deemed “fully vaccinated.” A total of 47.1% have had at least one COVID injection. Alaskans living in some regions of the
Fairbanks to debate ranked choice voting scheme for municipal elections
The Fairbanks North Star Borough will consider an ordinance at its April 22 meeting, which looks to approve the controversial ranked choice voting system, similar to what the State of Alaska will use for the first time in the next statewide primary election
After year of controversy, Wasilla High approves new logo of Athabascan ‘Warrior’
After a year of controversy over its school logo, Wasilla High School has officially adopted a new Warrior mascot which depicts Chief Wasilla in traditional Athabascan headdress. On April 13, the student body voted on the new image with 83% approving the
Dunbar backs 8th extension of emergency declaration in Anchorage – supports 70% vax goal
Anchorage mayoral candidate Forrest Dunbar joined the narrowest of majorities to pass the eighth extension of Anchorage’s declaration of emergency. The measure passed along a 6-4 vote, which will be the final time Assemblyman Dunbar votes on the issue
Bronson promises to defend and support Anchorage police officers
Anchorage mayoral candidate Dave Bronson sent a letter to the Anchorage Police Department detailing how he plans to support and collaborate with the force if elected mayor. Dated April 10, the letter is addressed to the “men and women of APD.” It clearly
Observations, concerns and suggestions about Anchorage’s election
From oddly marked ballots and disappointing voter turnout, to election integrity and political friendly fire, there is a lot to glean from Anchorage’s most recent citywide election. Here’s some of what I’ve learned. ODDLY MARKED BALLOTS City Clerk
Starfish: I made a difference for that one…
A few weeks ago I wrote a piece outlining some initiatives our state legislature should undertake during this legislative session to restore the Alaskan dream. One item on the list was “Embrace the sanctity of life and restrict abortion after a
Anchorage clerk says many ballots had all ovals filled in, which confused vote counters
Anchorage Municipal Clerk Barbara Jones offered an explanation as to why the vote count has taken longer than expected in this year’s city elections. An April 7 email detailed some of the challenges facing the municipal election team, including strange
Voter turnout remains low in final hours of Anchorage election
With one day left to vote, more than 177,000 Anchorage voters have not cast their ballots. As of April 5, only 43,434 ballots had been received by the municipal clerk’s office. The election closes at 8 p.m. tonight, April 6. The low voter turnout comes on
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