As the governor and Legislature work to improve Alaska’s election process, they should give top consideration to the most promising way to enfranchise all eligible Alaskan voters: vote by mail (VBM). Eight states conduct all-mail elections currently, and the Municipality of Anchorage has successfully utilized VBM since 2018. VBM has been shown to increase voter turnout and reduce election costs. In Alaska, it could address the many logistical challenges that have threatened the right to vote in rural areas of the state. With proven safeguards to ensure that all votes are valid and secure and that all voters have adequate time to participate, VBM would reassure Alaskans that our elections are free and fair — for everyone.
— Dirk Sisson., Anchorage
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