“It feels good after everything we’ve been through. We are relieved to no longer have to worry about who will watch our kids if we are both put in jail.” - Tupe Smith, an American Samoan resident of Whittier who was accused of illegal voting in a 2023 case dropped by the state on Friday.

(James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

By James Brooks

In August, more than 70% of participating Alaska voters supported Ballot Measure 1, voting to restrict the amount of money that individuals can contribute to campaigns for state office.

On Nov. 3, Alaskans will vote on Ballot Measure 2, and an overlooked section of that measure — intended to roll back the state’s election system to what it was in 2020 — almost certainly would repeal part of Ballot Measure 1.

(James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

By James Brooks

If you use Alaska’s public cabins, get ready for a change. 

On Oct. 1, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources will begin limiting how far in advance reservations can be made to three months, down from six months.

(Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

By James Brooks

Following a ruling by the Alaska Court of Appeals, the Alaska Department of Law has dropped criminal charges against 11 American Samoan residents of Whittier who were accused of illegal voting.

American Samoans are U.S. nationals but not citizens and thus cannot vote in Alaska elections. 

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Upcoming political debates

  • Sept. 16: Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association forum in Girdwood — JKT, Wilson and Bronson have confirmed

  • Sept. 17, 4 p.m.: Commonwealth North forum, Anchorage — Bronson, JKT and Taylor confirmed; Wilson confirmed no

  • Sept. 19, 2 p.m.: Mat-Su Chamber forum

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