Voting matters

Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for democratic participation, and is actually the only specific right identified in the nation’s Constitution outside of its amendments. It is the very core civil right that ensures the will of the people be represented in our republic. Approach the electoral process with knowledge, engagement, and strategic thinking.

More dangerous than an inactive voter is an undereducated one. Learn about the issues and candidates. Stay informed through reliable sources, fact-checking organizations, and non-partisan platforms. The State of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough all release election pamphlets, and the cities may as well. Cities and Borough also advertise information through local print newspapers, online sites, their own websites, bulletin boards throughout their jurisdiction, and mailers. Even the local co-ops send out pamphlets about their candidates and propositions as well.

Research the candidates' positions, their track records, and their policy proposals. Show up to public debates, town halls, or candidate forums to hear directly from those seeking office. Not only does this allow you to hear their opinions from their mouths, but you can also see how the respect the public by their interaction or attendance. By acquiring first-hand in-depth knowledge, you will be able to make an informed decision when casting your vote.

Familiarize yourself with the voting system. Learn about voter registration deadlines, eligibility requirements, and the specific voting methods employed. This will avoid many obstacles and ensure that your vote is properly counted. Stay updated on any changes or reforms to the electoral process that might affect your voting experience. For 2023, you must be registered prior to September 3 to be able to vote in a local October 3 election. All three cities in the valley hold their municipal elections in October. For the Borough election on November 7, you must be registered no later than October 8. There are no state elections occurring this year (the only happen in even-numbered years). Visit the website for your local government to see other important election dates and deadlines.

To make your vote count, participate in all elections. It does matter if it is local, regional, or national, they all impact you and will that impact will compound as more people with similar mindsets are elected. Local elections often have a direct impact on your daily life, and your vote can influence decisions that affect your community; but ironically these are the elections that are the least attended by voters. By voting consistently, you send a message to politicians and political parties that you are an engaged citizen and increase the likelihood that your concerns will be heard.

Community Councils have elections, too. Don’t forget them! Some community councils in the Mat-Su require you to be a paid member, some do not; but all residents have a right to vote as long as you are a registered voter. Some councils are extremely active in speaking for their communities such as Talkeetna and Big Lake, others meet much less frequently such as Petersville and Chase. Contact the Borough clerk’s office at 907-861-8683 to find out who your local council is, when they meet, and their participation requirements.

If there are candidates whose values and policies align with your own, consider supporting them beyond just voting. Volunteer for their campaigns, donations, and engaging in grassroots efforts promote their message. By actively participating in campaigns, you can help amplify their reach, influence voters, and increase the chances of your preferred candidates winning. Remember to follow campaign finance laws and regulations to ensure transparency and integrity. You cannot wear campaign material to the voting booth and there are laws restricting “electioneering” which is essentially waving signs and attempting to influence the election closer than 250 feet from the polling location.

Never forget to vote. If you can’t attend on election day, there are a lot of options. You can vote early in most jurisdictions. Even if you can’t vote at your local city hall or community polling location, the State has a Divisions of Elections office on Wasilla on Bogard Road that may have copies of ballots during state election years. The Borough building in Palmer often can provide early voting for those persons outside of cities. There are also other solutions such as absentee mail-on voting (there are deadlines to request an absentee ballot) and proxy ballots. Call your local Clerk for more information.

Beyond individual elections, participate in the advocacy for fair and transparent electoral reforms. Support initiatives that promote accessible voting, campaign finance reform, and election integrity. Engage with local organizations or join coalitions working toward these goals. By advocating for positive changes in the electoral system, you can create a more equitable and inclusive government where every citizen’s vote truly counts.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.