The sponsors of Ballot Measure 3, the United States Citizens Voter Act, today thanked Alaska voters following the measure’s passage in Tuesday’s general election. The initiative clarifies Alaska law by expressly stating that only United States citizens may vote in state elections.
Former Senate Majority Leader John Coghill, a primary sponsor of the initiative, commented: “Alaskans have spoken clearly. The passage of Ballot Measure 3 affirms the importance of citizenship as a fundamental qualification for voting in our elections. We are grateful to the thousands of Alaskans who signed petitions, volunteered their time, and helped bring this important question before the voters.”
“This is common sense and consistent with what most Alaskans believe should be the law,” stated former House Speaker Mike Chenault, a co-sponsor of the initiative. “Across the country, approximately two dozen cities and local jurisdictions have already authorized some form of noncitizen voting, and other major cities have considered doing the same. Rather than wait for that issue to come to Alaska, we took a proactive approach to make our election laws clear and unambiguous. With the passage of Ballot Measure 3, Alaskans have made it clear that voting in our elections is a right reserved for United States citizens.”
“Voting is one of the most important responsibilities and privileges of American citizenship. We thank Alaskans across the state who participated in this election and those who worked to put this measure on the ballot. Their efforts made it possible for voters to decide this question directly,” said former Senator Josh Revak, the initiative’s third sponsor.
Press release provided by Alaskans for Citizen Voting.
