Lawsuit Claims Alaska Elections Division Neglected Rural Polling Sites

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Alaska Democratic Party, along with state representatives from rural areas, has initiated a lawsuit against the Division of Elections, asserting that it neglected to establish multiple absentee in-person voting venues. Defendants in the case include Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, DOE Director Carol Beecher, and the Division of Elections (DOE).

The plaintiffs are pursuing an emergency court order that would compel the DOE to activate the absentee in-person voting sites listed on their official website. According to a statement from the Alaska Democratic Party, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill in April meant to enhance DOE funding for better polling access, specifically addressing voting obstacles in rural Alaska. They argue that many residents remain uncertain about the availability of polling locations.

Representative Nellie Unangiq Jimmie highlighted the ongoing challenges, stating, “Year after year, the Division has failed to open polling places in rural Alaska, making it harder to vote here than anywhere else in the state.” The lawsuit identifies 18 absentee in-person voting locations that have yet to open. Furthermore, some local officials reported a lack of necessary materials or training for operating these sites.

In correspondence regarding this matter, State Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Midnight Sun both contacted Beecher for clarification. The reply indicated that out of the 18 locations, 12 confirmed they were open, while three opted out of opening and three did not respond. Midnight Sun has not verified the claims made in Beecher’s communication, with community members indicating that five additional locations were also not operational as of Tuesday.