It is already in statute

Ballot Measure 3 25USCV, “An initiative to require that only United States citizens may be qualified voters in Alaska elections,” would cost the state $114,050 to restate what is already in statute. This ballot measure is a total waste of voters’ time.

Our voter qualification statute now states that a person may vote at any election who is a citizen of the United States; is 18 years of age or older; has been a resident of the state and of the house district in which the person seeks to vote for at least 30 days just before the election; and has registered before the election as required under AS 15.07 and is not registered to vote in another jurisdiction.

Ballot Measure 3, if passed, would amend that to read “only” a person who  is a citizen of the United States;  is 18 years of age or older; has been a resident of the state and of the house district in which the person seeks to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and has registered before the election as required under AS 15.07 and is not registered to vote in another jurisdiction may vote at any election.

This ballot measure is a total waste of time and money.  It rewords the intro sentence and goes on to state exactly — exactly — the same qualifications.  The law is not changed.

It is already required that only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections.  What is the purpose of this ballot measure?  Is it to intimidate people, scare people away from voting, trick people?

Vote no on this redundant ballot measure,  it is a complete waste of voters time.

Therese Lewandowski

Bill Walker is qualified to lead

As a former Alaska Commissioner of Community and Regional Affairs, I had the privilege of working with many public officials during my years of public service in Alaska, and few impressed me as much as former Governor Bill Walker.

I have known Bill Walker for many years as both a friend and a leader. Long before he became governor, he was simply Bill — a husband, a father and a hardworking Alaskan. I remember seeing him out cutting and splitting firewood to make sure his family had enough to get through another long Alaska winter. That image has always stayed with me because it reflects who Bill really is. He has never been afraid of hard work, and he has always put his family first.

I have also had the privilege of knowing Bill’s family. His wife, Donna, and their children reflect the same values Bill has lived by throughout his life — honesty, integrity, self-reliance and service to others. They are a remarkable Alaska family.

Throughout my years in Alaska, I came to appreciate leaders who listened, worked hard and put Alaska’s interests ahead of politics. Bill Walker has always been that kind of leader. He genuinely understands the challenges Alaskans face, seeks practical solutions and brings people together.

Alaska is not well served by leaders who place partisan politics ahead of practical results. Bill Walker has always approached Alaska’s challenges with independence, common sense and a willingness to work with anyone committed to moving Alaska forward.

Leadership requires experience, sound judgment, honesty and the courage to make difficult decisions. Bill Walker has consistently demonstrated those qualities.

My career in public service — as a city manager, attorney and member of Governor Bill Sheffield’s cabinet — gave me the opportunity to observe leaders under pressure. Based on that experience, I believe Bill Walker possesses the character, integrity and steady leadership the people of Alaska deserve.

Mark Lewis
Former Commissioner, Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs