Get Out the Native Vote Update: Vote in the November 8 General Election
Candidate Mixer in Fairbanks November 4!
Get Out the Native Vote (GOTNV) has been gearing people up to vote in the upcoming general election on November 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. in Alaska, with poll operating hours varying throughout the United States.
On the federal ballot, Alaskans will vote on the U.S. president and vice president (currently held by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden), one of two U.S. senator seats (currently held by incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski), and one of two U.S. representative seats (currently held by incumbent Rep. Don Young).
In Alaska, 10 state Senate seats and 40 state House Representative seats are up for election, and judicial candidates are scheduled for retention. Sample ballots can be found on the Alaska State Elections website.
In addition to state and federal seat elections, Alaskans will also vote on two ballot measures:
- Ballot measure 1 is an act allowing qualified individuals to register to vote when applying for their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). GOTNV and Doyon strongly support a Vote Yes on Ballot Measure 1. This act will allow Alaskans who opt-in to register to vote when submitting their PFD application. The act will make it easier for rural and urban voters alike to register to vote from their own homes, save the state money on registration processing costs, help prevent voter registration fraud, and improve voter registration accuracy.
- Ballot measure 2 would change the state constitution to allow debt for postsecondary student loans. Current law only allows state debt for capital projects, housing loans for veterans, military defense and natural disasters.
Voters in the Fairbanks area are encouraged to attend the GOTNV Candidate Mixer on November 4 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall at 111 Clay St. Participating candidates will be available for questions, and GOTNV volunteers will serve refreshments. Grandma’s Genuine Navajo Tacos will also be set up outside the tribal hall from 5 – 7 p.m. for those looking for a full meal. Directly following the mixer, indigenous artist duo, Mike Bone, will perform in the tribal hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Mike Bone can be purchased at the door.
For information regarding volunteer opportunities, the upcoming general election and Get Out the Native Vote, please email gotnv@doyon.com or visit the GOTNV webpage.