FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2016

Alaska to Cast Electoral College Votes for President and Vice-President

(Juneau) On Monday, December 19, members of the United States Electoral College will cast their vote which ultimately elects the President and Vice‐President of the United States. Each state gets a number of electors equal to its United States Congressional representation therefore Alaska has three electors.

In Alaska, political parties select their electors and submit the names to the Division of Elections. The electors represent the political party of the Presidential candidate who won the popular vote in Alaska, which for 2016, is the Alaska Republican Party. Alaska’s electors are former Governor Sean Parnell, Jacqueline Tupou of Juneau and Carolyn Leman of Anchorage. Under state law, each elector must “pledge” that as an elector, the person will cast his or her electoral vote for the candidate of the party. For 2016, Alaska’s electors will cast a vote for Donald J. Trump for President and Michael R. Pence for Vice President of the United States.

Along with the rest of the nation, Alaska’s electors will meet Monday, December 19, 2016 to cast their electoral votes. The televised ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Juneau at Alaska’s new Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Library, Archives and Museum. Presiding at the meeting of the Electors will be Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott.

The media and public are welcome to attend this event. The Division of Elections sent an invitation to all current and newly elected legislators as well as Juneau’s Mayor and Assembly Members. The program will include performances by the Juneau Douglas High School Choir/Alaska Youth Choir and a Presentation of Colors by members of the District 17 U.S. Coast Guard.

The half‐hour event will be broadcast liveon 360 North, the statewide public affairs television channel. 360 North is seen on ARCS, on GCI Cable and over the air in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Bethel. The event will also be streamed live at www.360north.org.

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For more information please contact Josie Bahnke or Sharon Forrest at 907.465.4611


MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Division of Elections Certifies 2016 General Election

December 1, 2016 JUNEAU - The bi-partisan State Review Board has completed a thorough review of the 2016 General Election. With the review complete, Division of Elections Director, Josie Bahnke, announced today that the 2016 General Election has been certified.

There were 321,271 ballots cast in the 2016 General Election for a final turnout of 60.77%. “This election generated a record number of voters who voted early, absentee or questioned ballots; over 123,000, compared to about 90,000 in 2014,” said Bahnke. Approximately 32% of Alaskans voted via an alternative method this year, and the division expects that voting trend to continue to increase in future elections. “

Although the Division received a record number of these ballots for the 2016 election, the statutorily mandated time to process the ballots was still the same. Under state law, the Division’s Regional Offices must have ballots processed and counted within 15 days following the election. It takes an immense effort for the Regional Office staff and bi-partisan review boards to complete the review and counting of early, absentee and questioned ballots. “I want to thank Division of Election employees who processed approximately 100,000 early and absentee ballots counted on election night and during the seven, ten and fifteen day counts,” said Lt. Governor Mallott.

Bahnke expressed gratitude and thanks for the thousands of election workers, review board members and Division staff who helped make the 2016 elections successful. “It takes thousands of Alaskans to work collaboratively, at the state, regional and local level to ensure elections reflect the will of Alaskan voters. We couldn’t do it without the great and loyal service of our election workers and staff,” said Bahnke.

Official Election Results can be viewed directly on the Division of Elections website:

http://elections.alaska.gov/

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October 28, 2016

Alaska Division of Elections Adds General Election Candidates who missed August Deadline to Online Official Election Pamphlet

(Juneau) In an effort to provide Alaska voters with as much information as possible before the November 8, 2016 general election, the Alaska Division of Elections reached out to 15 state and national candidates offering inclusion in the online Official Election Pamphlet (OEP). The candidates missed the August 30 deadline for the printed version of the OEP. All 157 candidates for various offices are listed in the printed version of the OEP.

The deadline for online the online submission was Tuesday, October 25th, and the following 8 candidates submitted their required payment and information;

  •   Gary Johnson and Bill Weld – President/Vice President – Libertarian

  •   Donald Trump and Mike Pence – President/Vice President – Republican

  •   Tom Johnson – Alaska Senate L – Non-Affiliated

  •   Natasha von Imhof – Alaska Senate L – Republican

  •   Colleen Sullivan-Leonard – Alaska House District 7 – Republican

  •   Duncan Fields – Alaska House District 32 – Non-Affiliated

    Voters can locate the updated online OEP at http://elections.alaska.gov/pub_oep.php . For more information on polling locations check out http://elections.alaska.gov/vi_where.php . And for those voters interested in Alaska’s robust, multilayered security measures protecting our voting systems http://elections.alaska.gov/doc/prpsa/Ballot%20Tabulation%20Process.pdf .

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October 13, 2016

Alaska's 2016 Official Election Pamphlets Available to Public

[see PDF]


September 23, 2016

Alaska Division of Elections Encourages Eligible But Unregistered Voters to Participate in the Electoral Process

Deadline to register for the November General Election is Sunday, October 9, 2016

(Juneau) - Eligible Alaska residents who have not yet registered to vote will receive a courtesy postcard this week from the Alaska Division of Elections. The outreach coincides with National Voter Registration Day on September 27, 2016.

The postcard mailing is part of Alaska’s new membership with the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). Alaska’s participation was made possible when the Alaska Legislature approved SB 9, a bill allowing the state’s Division of Elections to join the nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist states with improving the accuracy of America’s voter rolls and increasing voter registration.

“We are firmly committed to seeing that all eligible Alaskans have a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy,” said Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, who oversees elections as part of his duties.

The postcards will inform recipients of the methods and deadlines related to voter registration including guidance towards the division’s online voter registration site https://voterregistration.alaska.gov.

ERIC allows for the timely removal of voters registering in another member state, increases voter registration and ensure accurate voter registration rolls are maintained,” said Elections Director, Josie Bahnke.

All 21 ERIC member states agree to reach out to potentially eligible, but unregistered citizens, before federal general elections. The deadline for Alaskans to register for the November general election is Sunday, October 9, 2016.

The postcard mailing, paid in part by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, will be sent to eligible Alaskans who are not registered to vote.

For further information about registering to vote call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-844-465- 4611 (or in Juneau at 465-4611).

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Texts of Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates' Statements from the Official Election Pamphlet

Darrell L. Castle, Constitution

STATEMENT:

As President of the United States, Mr. Castle’s priority will be to strictly adhere to the Constitution in any proposed legislation or federal government policies, including the ending of unconstitutional wars and unconstitutional foreign aid. He will work to make sure that America’s veterans and military personnel receive the care and support they need for injuries and hardships they have incurred while serving in the armed forces.

He will work to withdraw the United States from the United Nations and restore American Sovereignty. He will also work to end the Federal Reserve System and restore the gold standard to strengthen the dollar, both home and abroad.

He will work to withdraw the federal government from international legislation such as Agenda 21 and begin the process of handing control of their lives and property back to the local people.

Another priority of a Castle presidency will be to work towards the ending of abortion in America by vetoing any funding for abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood, as well as recommending to Congress (and working to make it happen) that they remove all jurisdiction over such matters from the Supreme Court.

Darrell Castle believes that “It is the nature of the State to seek dominance over the population. Freedom will not ultimately remain intact if we leave it unattended. America needs forward thinking leaders. Self-hatred and appeasement only foster more disrespect. We must find a way to chart our own course in the world as free and independent people.”

Scott N. Bradley, Constitution

STATEMENT:

The United States Constitution is a written, binding contract between those elected to hold office, and the citizens of the nation. All who hold office are required to take an oath to abide by the Constitution. The Constitution grants specific power, and withholds all other power from the national government. Those holding the reins of power at the national level have forgotten the sound principles of proper government which are embodied in the plain English words of the United States Constitution, and we have strayed far into paths which undermine our liberty and our God- given unalienable rights.

I seek a return to the foundation principles upon which this nation was established, working to restore a national government which is constrained to act within the framework defined within the Constitution. This will protect our individual God-given unalienable rights, and allow us to preserve the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.

This nation is mired in the morass of party politics. We continue to vote for the same two parties, with the same disappointing outcomes.

If you are tired of “politics as usual,” and have grown weary of the agendas of the current two party system; seeing an ever increasing encroachment of big government in your life, regardless of the party which holds power, join with me and others who love liberty more than the political process.

Vote for the restoration of the original principles of liberty.

My contract with America is my oath to the United States Constitution.

________________________

Hillary Clinton, Democrat

STATEMENT:

I’ve dedicated my career to making a difference for children and families. From working with leaders in both parties to help pass the Children’s Health Insurance Program to standing up for human rights abroad, I know how to stand my ground—and how to find common ground.

This campaign is based on the notion that Americans are stronger together. We’re stronger when everyone can contribute to the economy and share in its growth, when we work with our allies to keep America secure, and when we’re united, not divided.

In our first 100 days, we’ll make the biggest investment in good-paying jobs since World War II. We’ll invest in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and small businesses. We’ll pay for our plans by making Wall Street, corporations, and the super-wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.

We’ll make college debt-free for all and tuition-free for the middle class. We’ll crack down on companies that ship jobs overseas, and reward companies that share profits with their employees. We’ll make it easier to balance work and family. And we’ll bring opportunity to communities that have been left out and left behind.

Americans aren’t just electing a president; we’re choosing a Commander-in-Chief. We’ve laid out a comprehensive strategy to keep America safe by defeating ISIS, standing with our allies, and respecting those who serve our country.

We know that America’s best days are still ahead of us. When Americans come together, there’s nothing we can’t do.

Tim Kaine, Democrat

STATEMENT:

In my more than two decades in public service, I’ve never met anyone more qualified to be President than Hillary Clinton. That’s why I’m so humbled and grateful to be her running mate.

Growing up, I went to a Jesuit boys school with the motto “Men for Others,” where my faith became an organizing principle for my life. So during law school, I took a year off to volunteer with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras. I saw a system where only a few folks at the top had all the power, and everyone else got left behind. It was that experience that cemented my commitment to social justice. I went on to become a civil rights lawyer – and later a city councilman, mayor, and governor – to help ensure everyone has the chance to live up to their God-given potential.

That’s why Hillary Clinton and I have a plan to make the economy work for everyone, not just those at the top. We’ll invest in infrastructure, help small businesses, raise the minimum wage, and ensure equal pay and paid family leave. And we’ll tackle other challenges— from reforming our criminal justice and immigration systems to ending the gun violence epidemic to getting unaccountable money out of politics.

If I’m good at anything in public life, it’s because I started at the local level – listening to people and trying to find consensus. I’ve seen the progress that’s possible when we come together to overcome challenges. We truly are stronger together.

________________________

“Rocky” Roque De La Fuente, Non-Affiliated

STATEMENT:

I’m not a career politician. I’m just like you. I live in the real world, not a political one.

I don’t have to pretend to understand minority issues because I am a minority.

I don’t have to pretend to understand how to create jobs because I have created thousands.

I don’t have to pretend to understand the importance of paying a fair wage and providing health care benefits because I’ve witnessed the impact it has on the lives of the families of those I employed.

I don’t have to pretend to understand international relations because I’ve traveled extensively and both lived and worked abroad.

I don’t have to pretend to care about the environment because I’m actually doing something about it through renewable energy.

I don’t even have to pretend to understand the cost of education... because I have five children.

And where I really differ: I don’t look at problems through a political lens; I look at them through a practical one.

Our Nation is at a crossroad. Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” I would suggest that it’s also true that we cannot solve our problems with the same people who created them. We’re suffering from political gridlock fashioned by career politicians who place party politics ahead of the people. Additionally, our election process has been rigged to maintain the status quo. It’s time for change, and I will do everything in my power to deliver it.

Michael Steinberg, Non-Affiliated

STATEMENT:

I envision a country where policy is based on the interests of the people rather than just a privileged few. Unfortunately, we have lost our way on that point in recent years.

I believe in the free market system, but the system must be fair. To grow the middle class, we need to create and keep jobs in this country that pay a fair wage and provide access to healthcare. We should support laws that encourage innovation and investment in durable goods, machinery and equipment. However, we must demand that the rest of the world conducts trade with us on a level playing field.

I also believe that every child deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education because to do otherwise is to sentence them to remain right where they are. We have grown stagnant as a nation, and upward mobility has been ground to a halt. We have to begin growing the middle class again, and education is the key.

As a Social Security Disabilities attorney for over 30 years, I’ll work to ensure that Social Security Retirement and Disability programs, along with Medicare, remain solvent and are operated in a professional, courteous and efficient manner.

Additionally, our nation is facing a debt crisis. While we need to address waste and fraud in government, that is not enough. We need a tax policy that treats people fairly and new jobs to increase tax revenues.

And finally, I’ll work hard to restore integrity to our electoral system.

 ________________________

Gary Johnson, Libertarian

STATEMENT:

I believe the majority of Americans share the simple notions of financial responsibility and personal freedom. Government should leave us alone to pursue our dreams, live our lives and make our own choices -- as long as those choices do not harm or endanger others. And government should do less, spend less and cost less.

Alaska’s history is one of self-reliance, independence and tolerance. Liberty is more than a slogan, it is the true American value, and Alaskans understand that. The proper role of government is to safeguard liberty, keep us safe, and insure equality of opportunity. It is not the role of government to choose winners and losers, intervene in the sovereign affairs of other nations, and manage every aspect of our daily lives.

The two party system and the elected officials who put partisanship above good public policy have failed us. I am running for President to offer a credible, experienced and independent alternative to the gridlock that has become Washington, DC. I also believe strongly that integrity and the truth are not too much to ask of a President, and are, in fact, what the American people deserve.

Smaller government, greater freedom, a foreign policy intended to keep America safe, and honest leadership. Those are what I respectfully offer to the voters of Alaska and the rest of the nation.

Bill Weld, Libertarian

STATEMENT:

Despite the state legislature being controlled by a Democratic majority, as Governor, Bill Weld managed to cut taxes 21 times and did not permit any tax increases. A 1994 report from the Cato institute concluded that, “Weld cut spending, balanced the budget, improved the state’s bond rating, and cut numerous taxes. Even with a Democratic legislature, Weld has a stunningly successful fiscal record.”

How did he do this without compromising education and other important state functions? He doesn’t believe that a government that looks to your pocket book to solve every problem is a healthy way to conduct policy. Rather, Governor Weld identified areas of government inefficiency, spending that was not serving the public interest, and got rid of wasteful programs that would never be supported if the people knew just how unproductive they were.

He did this, in part, by championing programs like those that helped welfare recipients get jobs to reduce their long-term reliance on government assistance, improve their self-reliance and self-esteem, and in turn, create a more productive society. But don’t think that Bill’s pursuit of fiscal responsibility prevented him from his personal belief in social tolerance.

Bill was not only an early proponent of civil rights for gays and lesbians, he actually appointed the judge who wrote the opinion that established marriage equality as a matter of constitutional right.

As Vice-President of the United States, Bill Weld would take those same values to Washington, DC.

________________________

Jill Stein, Green

STATEMENT:

Jill Stein’s Power to the People Plan creates deep system change, moving from the greed and exploitation of corporate capitalism to a human- centered economy that puts people, planet and peace over profit. It empowers the American people to fix our broken political system and make real the promise of democracy.

This plan will end unemployment and poverty; avert climate catastrophe; build a sustainable, just economy; and recognize the dignity and human rights of everyone in our society and our world.

Stein’s Power to the People Plan includes:

A Green New Deal
Create millions of jobs by transitioning to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030, and investing in public transit, sustainable agriculture, and conservation.

Jobs as a Right
Create living-wage jobs for every American who needs work, replacing unemployment offices with employment offices. Advance workers’ rights to form unions, achieve workplace democracy, and keep a fair share of the wealth they create.

End Poverty
Guarantee economic human rights, including access to food, water, housing, and utilities, with effective anti- poverty programs to ensure every American a life of dignity.

Health Care as a Right
Establish an improved “Medicare For All” single-payer public health insurance program to provide everyone with quality health care, at huge savings.

Education as a Right
Abolish student debt to free a generation of Americans from debt servitude. Guarantee tuition-free, world- class public education from pre-school through university. End high stakes testing and public school privatization.

Ajamu Baraka, Green

[no statement]

________________________

Donald J. Trump, Republican

STATEMENT:

Donald J. Trump wants to Make America Great Again. He wants to reestablish our place in the world by steering our government away from special interests and introducing policies that put money in people’s pockets, restore love of country and restore our world status.

Mr. Trump believes in free markets, the importance of a strong family, a culture of Life, a strong military and our country’s sacred obligation to take care of our veterans and their families.

Our country has been poorly served by the political class who value their self-interest over the interests of the United States and its citizens. Mr. Trump will end the corrupting influence of special interests once and for all.

We need free and fair trade. No longer will China, Mexico, Japan and other countries manipulate their currencies to benefit their citizens at the expense of ours.

We must restore the integrity of our national borders.

We must reduce the tax burden by lowering rates, eliminating loopholes, and simplifying the tax code. We must fix our corporate tax structure so capital and jobs return to America.

We will rebuild our military, return education to the parents and students, make college affordable and fix our healthcare system by getting rid of Obamacare and replacing it with free market solutions.

We will protect the Second Amendment and will defend religious liberty for all.

Together, we will Make America Great Again.

Mike Pence, Republican

STATEMENT:

Governor Mike Pence is proud to stand shoulder- to-shoulder with Donald Trump in their goal to Make America Great Again. As Governor of the State of Indiana, Mike Pence believes in Donald Trump’s plans to cut taxes and reduce regulation to get the economy working for all Americans, similar to the leadership he showed in Indiana.

Donald Trump and Mike Pence want to reestablish our place in the world by steering our government away from special interests and introducing policies that put money in people’s pockets, restore love of country and restore our world status.

Donald Trump and Governor Pence believe in free markets, the importance of a strong family, a culture of Life, a strong military and our country’s sacred obligation to take care of our veterans and their families.

We need free and fair trade. No longer will China, Mexico, Japan and other countries manipulate their currencies to benefit their citizens at the expense of ours.

We must restore the integrity of our national borders.

We must reduce the tax burden by lowering rates, eliminating loopholes, and simplifying the tax code. We must fix our corporate tax structure so capital and jobs return to America.

We will rebuild our military, return education to the parents and students, make college affordable and fix our healthcare system by getting rid of Obamacare and replacing it with free market solutions.

We will protect the Second Amendment and will defend religious liberty for all.

Together, we will Make America Great Again.