THROW OUT SOME VOTES? ALASKANS SAY ‘NO THANKS’
Defend Alaska Elections—Vote No on 2 announced 25 co-chairs to lead the campaign to defeat Ballot Measure 2.
The community leaders who have lent their names to the defeat of the rigging of Alaska’s elections include Chairman John Sturgeon.
“Alaskans already know how to vote; they have been doing it since statehood!” said Tim Navarre, a Democrat, lifelong Alaskan, Kenai City Council member, and former president of the Alaska Municipal League.
“I believe outside interests are trying to change Alaska’s voting laws to suit their own interest. Presently my vote counts today, and that is the way it should be,” said Bob Sivertsen, a Republican and lifelong resident of Southeast Alaska, mayor of Ketchikan, and advocate for seniors.
The group has the backing of Libertarian Dick Randolph, who said, “The billionaires supporting Ballot Measure 2 say it will give voters ‘more choice and more voice. This is utter nonsense. It will actually take away voters’ choices, by discriminating against small political parties.”
“Erecting new barriers to voting by increasing ballot complexity and throwing out votes is a recipe for disaster,” said Susie Linford (Non Partisan), award-winning chef and longtime community pillar in Anchorage. “Our current system is fair and simple, and most importantly, every vote counts!”
Dark money is fueling Ballot Measure 2, and it’s from out of state. Defend Alaska Elections reports its top three contributors are Alaskans John Sturgeon, former Governor Sean Parnell (R), and former Senator Mark Begich (D).
The full current list of co-chairs includes:
- Bernie Karl, business owner, entrepreneur, and lifelong Fairbanksan
- Anna MacKinnon, former state senator, former Executive Director of STAR
- Bob Candopoulos, captain and president of the Saltwater Safari Company
- Carol Fraser, Alaska Chamber board member, businesswoman, and travel industry advocate
- Johnny Ellis, former state senator of some 30 years
- Mead Treadwell, former lieutenant governor and current Arctic advocate
- Kristin Mellinger, businesswoman and former executive VP of the Arctic Slope Regional Corp
- Dick Randolph, statesman and lifelong Alaskan
- Lei Tupou, Alaska Parole Board member and longtime public servant
- Cheryl Markwood, owner of Markwood Realty and local political activist
- Tim Navarre, Kenai City Council member, and lifelong Alaskan
- Stanley Wright, veteran, father, and longtime Alaskan
- Leslie Becker, former E.D. of Ketchikan Chamber, candidate for Alaska Legislature
- David Pruhs, Fairbanks City Council member, small business owner, and lifelong Alaskan
- Pete Zuyus, former chief information officer for the State of Alaska and advocate for seniors
- Brittani Clancey, mother of four, Advisory Board member for Northern Lights ABC School
- Thomas Baker, City of Kotzebue Vice-Mayor, candidate for the Alaska Legislature
- Bob Sivertsen, lifelong resident of Ketchikan, mayor, and advocate for seniors
- Portia Noble, lifelong Alaskan and political activist
- Mark Chryson, former chair, Alaskan Independence Party; sponsor of original ranked choice ballot initiative
- Mike Prax, Alaska state representative
- Susie Linford, award-winning chef and community volunteer in Anchorage
- Steve Colligan, businessman, former member Mat-Su Borough Assembly
- Paulette Simpson, longtime Juneauite and community volunteer
- Dave Talerico, Alaska state representative, former coal miner
- Cynthia Erickson, Athabaskan from Tanana, business leader and rural advocate
The Alaskans for Better Elections group trying to pass Ballot Measure 2 is led by Scott Kendall, the former chief of staff to Gov. Bill Walker and a leader in the Recall Dunleavy Committee.
