The recent negotiations of our President’s efforts in ending the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine appears to be sidetracked by the dispute over the US receiving mineral rights to Ukraine’s rich resources. Currently the issue appears to be our President’s demand for possession of Ukraine’s minerals as well as financial consideration in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Why the administration has chosen mineral rights as a bargaining issue for a final settlement is incredulous.
President Trump and his administration are aware the state of Alaska has commercial deposits of virtually all the mineral resources, most of which are on Federal land consisting of 356 million acres. Over the last several years our development has been held up by issues including access across Federal Land, and environmental objections. The permitting process and the delays have caused some major corporations to leave our state. In the last few years two major companies exploring oil, BP and Shell, have left our state.
It’s time to look in our own backyard and develop what we need in an expeditious manner, rather than use it as a bargaining tool in the Ukraine/ Russia conflict.
Governor Frank Murkowski
Wrangell, AK
Fisheries Chair, Vice-Chair Oppose Finfish Farming Bill
Last Friday, Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced House Bill 111 to reverse Alaska’s absolute ban on fish farms. As Chair and Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Fisheries, Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) and Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) released the following statement:
Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, our coastal communities, and fishing families across the state are suffering through historically poor market conditions, inconsistent returns, and unfair trade practices.
Make no mistake, the industry will recover; however, lifting a ban on freshwater finfish farming sends the wrong signal, at the wrong time. It also erodes the spirit of the current ban and provides a foot in the door for possible salmon farming in Alaska.
We need to be focusing on solutions for our fisheries that positively impact our industry, market conditions, and the bottom line for our fishermen, not legislation that distracts from that.
Alaska House Majority Coalition
Juneau, AK
AFN’s Call for Essential Voting Reforms
AFN is calling for critical reforms to enhance voting access and ensure the voices of all Alaskans are heard. Kendra Kloster, AFN’s Director of Government Relations, provided testimony to the Senate State Affairs Committee on January 30. The committee heard two election bills – Senate Bill 64, which is the Senate Rules voting reform bill, and then they heard Senate Bill 70, which is Governor Mike Dunleavy’s election bill.
Recent statistics highlight significant challenges faced during elections, particularly in rural areas. In the 2022 all-VBM special primary, approximately 7,500 ballots were rejected for various reasons, including missing witness signatures and ballots postmarked after election day. With a 14% rejection rate for ballots in the 2024 general election due to the witness provision, we must act to rectify these issues.
To address the persistent barriers to voting, AFN advocates for the following reforms:
1. Rural Liaisons: Increased support is necessary for rural communities to ensure they have the resources and information needed to facilitate elections effectively. Collaboration between AFN and the Department of Elections (DOE) is crucial to overcome the recurring challenges faced by these communities.
2. Pre-Paid Postage: Implementing pre-paid postage for ballots is essential, as many rural locations lack adequate postal services. This measure would greatly enhance voter participation.
3. Ballot Curing: With over 30 states having successful ballot curing provisions, AFN supports this mechanism to allow voters to correct mistakes and ensure their votes are counted rather than discarded.
4. Removing Witness Signature Requirement: Given that the DOE does not verify witness signatures, yet many ballots are rejected based on this criterion, AFN calls for the elimination of this requirement. Voters already attest to their eligibility by signing their ballots.
5. Electronic Signature Capability: Extending the ability to use electronic signatures for voter registration would streamline the process for those without a driver’s license or ID. Many Alaskan communities lack access to DMV services, making this reform vital.
6. Language Access: With diverse populations across Alaska, AFN emphasizes the need for enhanced language assistance to ensure all voters, including significant Yupik speakers, can understand and engage in the voting process.
7. Same-Day Voter Registration: Enabling same-day registration will help ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections.
8. Permanent Absentee Voting: This reform would streamline the voting process for those who regularly vote by mail and include safeguards to prevent voters from remaining on the absentee list if they are no longer voting.
9. Ballot Drop Boxes: Increased accessibility through the implementation of more ballot drop boxes throughout Alaska is crucial.
AFN urges legislators to exercise caution regarding measures that may inadvertently restrict voting access, especially in remote areas where mail delivery can be slow due to logistical challenges. Acknowledging the unique circumstances of rural Alaska is essential to upholding the constitutional right to vote.
AFN remains committed to supporting Automatic Voter Registration (AVR), as it has proven effective in expanding voter registration efforts. We must invest in initiatives that enhance voting accessibility, including additional poll worker training, targeted outreach to rural communities, and partnerships between the Department of Elections and Tribal organizations, along with opportunities for increased early voting.
Collaboration between AFN and the Department of Elections (DOE) is crucial to overcome the recurring challenges faced by our rural communities. We continue to meet with Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom and DOE staff, and legislators to discuss and advocate for provisions that will enhance our elections process.
You can provide testimony on the voting reform bills by emailing [email protected] and [email protected]. To locate your legislators’ contact information, please visit www.akleg.gov.
Alaska Federation of Natives
Anchorage, AK
