Alaska’s Historic Early Voting Surge
During the elections, Alaska is hosting massive early voting. The number of early voters has been unmatched. Official hours for conducting the polls are from 7 a.m. up to 8 p.m. on November 5th. Voters have plenty of options for ensuring effective voting, either early voting or on Election Day, by following a few helpful steps. This record shows the commitment of Alaskan citizens to democratic participation and civic engagement.
News and information for Alaska’s voters.
For those who will vote in person on Election Day, read this quick guide to help prepare you:
Poll Hours and Locations: Polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line by the election day’s closing time will get to vote.
ID Requirements: Voting in Alaska polls requires a valid ID. These include but are not limited to Voter’s ID card.
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Hunting or fishing licenses
Alternative Documents: If you do not have a picture ID, then a recent utility bill, paycheck, government check, or any other government document with your current address will suffice.
Preparing a Voting Plan
The Division of Elections cautions voters to be well prepared before going to vote. Region 2 Election Supervisor Jeffrey Congdon advises one to know well who and what one wants before heading to the ballot box. This election shall present voters with a chance to cast their ballots in a presidential race, all races for U.S. Congress, state house elections, ballot measures, and decisions regarding judicial retention.
To help in deciding on a voting plan, residents are advised to look at the General Official Election Pamphlet, which is both online and mailed to every voter’s mailing address. In this pamphlet, details of candidates, ballot measures, and other information about voting will be helpful in developing a personal voting plan.
What to Bring to Vote
To vote easily and smoothly, bring what is required and avoid taking along things that may disrupt the voting process:
Bring
Your identification or other acceptable identification
List the candidates and measures you will vote for, without any campaign literature.
Avoid bringing campaign materials like buttons, t-shirts, hats, and other items that endorse any candidate or measure. Alaska Statutes (AS 15.20.043) prohibit “electioneering” within the precincts, which means you cannot campaign for any candidate or measure inside the precinct.
If a voter wears a t-shirt, pin, or any other item that promotes a particular candidate, she will undoubtedly face requests to either remove it or reverse it. This ensures that polls remain comfortable and impartial for all voters.
Tools to Know Your Ballot
Congdon stated that voters may also receive mailers from other candidates and parties, which they could utilize for candidate research. Reviewing ballot measures and comparing candidate flyers in advance could help make voting easier and faster on Election Day.
The Division of Elections website is also helpful in determining polling places, checking voter registration, and inspecting ballot content. This is especially helpful for a first-time voter or if one needs a refresher on local candidates and initiatives.
Where to Vote: Anchorage and Beyond
Alaska has several accessible polling locations throughout the state, including Anchorage. Anchorage polling centers include:
Location Division of Elections 2525 Gambell Street
University of Alaska-Anchorage: Student Union
Ted Stevens International Airport
If you are voting from outside Anchorage, you can verify your assigned polling station online or refer to the pamphlet you will receive in the mail. You can also verify the appropriate location by visiting the division elections website, which provides an ‘at home’ address and a ‘find a polling place location’ feature.
Election Day Reminders for Alaska Voters
As Election Day approaches, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:
Use the online tools provided by the Division of Elections to confirm your polling location. Sometimes polling locations change, so it is always best to confirm beforehand.
Know the Candidates and Issues: Take time to read up on candidates and ballot measures. Understanding your options will enable you to feel confident about each one.
Be Prepared and Get There Early: To avoid any likely delays, try to get in earlier in the day, if possible. Anticipate lengthy queues, particularly during peak hours, and remember that voters in line at 8 p.m. will still have the opportunity to cast their ballots.
You must also abide by the rules of the polling station. Do not bring campaign materials; it is clear there shall be no campaign. The poll workers can help you with voting rules or other questions.
Stay Calm and Patient: With potential high turnout, patience is going to be the key. Workers are doing their best at the polls to accommodate everybody, so cooperation will be helpful in ensuring a smooth experience for all involved.
Why This Election Matters
This election year will decide crucial matters that will define Alaska’s future on all fronts: federal, state, and local. Ballot decisions can either transform education, healthcare, preserve the environment, and fuel economic development in Alaska. High voter turnout and high participation reflect the level to which Alaskans treat these issues, and this increase in early voting displays a collective commitment to citizenly action.
sat-Minute Reminders
As Election Day approaches, the Division of Elections and polling stations throughout the state are preparing to serve an anticipated large number of voters. Poll workers, election supervisors, and volunteers strive to make the voting process safe and efficient. With high interest in early voting already setting the stage for a historic turnout, Alaska’s Election Day promises to be no less momentous.
Alaskans should have a voice, whether they vote early, by mail, or on Election Day. Since every tool and piece of information is now easily accessible, creating a plan for voting and gathering one’s documents is easy. All you need to do is make yourself available to participate in this democratic process.
