Local polls are open

MAT-SU — Polls are open across the Mat-Su Valley today as voters head to the booths to cast their vote in Alaska’s 2008 primary election.

In Palmer, candidates David J. Parks, Florence Scott and incumbent Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, waved signs at passing motorists at the intersection of the Glenn and Palmer-Wasilla highways.

Inside the polling station at the Palmer Depot around 9:30 a.m., only one voter was casting a ballot.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

To find a polling place, voters can call 1-888-383-8683 or 269-8683 and enter their voter ID number or Social Security number.

Candidates for Senate Seat G, Republican Linda Menard and Democrat Erick Cordero, are both unopposed in the primary. Below are the contested House races and four ballot measures.

In District 13, incumbent Rep. Carl Gatto will take on David J. Parks and Florence Scott for the Republican nomination. David Cheezem, the Democratic candidate in District 13, is running unopposed.

In District 14, Republican Rep. Wes Keller, who was appointed to the seat last year, is running unopposed in the primary. His soon-to-be Democratic opponent in the general election, Rose Smith, is also unopposed.

In District 15, Republican incumbent Rep. Mark Neuman will face Trapper Creek resident April Moore to move on to the general elections. Lew Dischner, the district’s Democrat, is unopposed in the primary.

In District 16, Chugiak Republican Rep. Bill Stoltze will face Justin D. “J.D.” Hatley and Kent Hermon in the primary. Democrat Beverly Serrano is unopposed.

Also on the primary ballot will be four measures up for voter decision, according to the state’s Department of Elections Web site.

Ballot Measure 1 seeks to establish an Alaska Gaming Commission within the state Department of Revenue and chance gaming laws.

Ballot Measure 2 seeks to amend the current bill banning same-day airborne shooting to include grizzly bears.

Ballot Measure 3 would create a voluntary program of public funding for state election campaigns.

Ballot Measure 4 is seeking to impose two water quality standards on new, large-scale metallic mineral mining operations in Alaska.

For more information on the primary elections, including the four ballot measures, visit the state’s Division of Elections Web site at ltgov.state.ak.us/elections/

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.