Voters, Polls and Halloween

Local First News (News of the North)

Alaska voters head to the polls on November 5 to select their preferred presidential candidate and decide on the U.S. House race. Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola faces Republican Nick Begich in a contest that could affect the Republican House majority. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, ranked-choice voting will determine the winner. Alaskans will also vote for their choice of presidential candidates, including Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and other third-party options.

In the 2024 election, Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2 asks voters to choose between keeping the ranked-choice voting system or returning to party primaries and single-choice voting. A “yes” vote would return to traditional methods, while a “no” would maintain ranked-choice, which supporters say gives voters more flexibility and may reduce political polarization. Opponents argue it dilutes party influence and confuses voters, with some Republicans pointing to previous election outcomes they feel misrepresented party preference. This measure is under national scrutiny as other states consider similar voting reforms.

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has revealed a 20-year plan for enhancing ferry operations, including six new hybrid ferries, more frequent port calls, and job recruitment initiatives. The proposed upgrades aim to address service reductions impacting coastal communities, particularly in winter. The fleet renewal will focus on hybrid models to improve efficiency, with funding from federal grants, such as $700 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. AMHS plans to digitize systems, explore new revenue sources, and encourage maritime careers for Alaskans, starting in high schools. A final plan will be reviewed before state approval.

A search for a missing Sitka hunter, Tad Fujioka, ended tragically after Alaska state troopers received notice on Tuesday evening that he was overdue. The 50-year-old hunter’s remains were found Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., with evidence suggesting a bear mauling. Despite efforts by search and rescue teams, Fujioka could not be revived. Wildlife Troopers, the Coast Guard, and Sitka Search and Rescue led the operation.