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Alaska voters will have a variety of issues on their minds as they head to the polls this election season. The state’s Republican presidential primary already passed on Super Tuesday, and the Democratic presidential primary is coming up on April 6, 2024. After that, Alaska voters have a state primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives coming up on August 20, 2024, and then the general election on November 5, 2024.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most pressing issues facing Alaska voters in 2024. We’ll also provide suggestions for how Alaskans get involved and make a difference in their state.
Top Issues in Alaska
The following issues have been recent matters of importance in the state legislature, and will likely continue to impact Alaska politics throughout the 2024 election season:
Omnibus budget for the state government
Revising the annual mental health budget in view of Alaskan healthcare trends
Criminalizing the harassment of police dispatchers and 911 call navigators
Forbidding the state from curtailing shooting range and gun/ammunition sales during a crisis, such as COVID-19
Deregulating electric bicycles
Exempting veterinarians from the strictures of opioid abuse legislation
Regulating pharmacy benefit managers
Extending Medicaid benefits to new mothers
Generating public revenue via the state’s new carbon markets has also been debated among lawmakers. This debate has resulted in a system of carbon credits, utilizing state forest resources. In addition, laws liberalizing the oversight of corporations formed by Native Alaskans; laws forbidding some dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foam; and laws amplifying oil-spill regulations also passed both the state House and Senate in 2023.
Legislators also mandated that local towns experiencing a certain level of population decrease cede some of their independent powers to the state. In addition, a comprehensive package of proposals related to education reform has made a stir between the two legislative chambers.
Finally, the question of whether to preserve or repeal ranked choice voting has been a subject of debate in Alaska. Alaska is currently one of only two states that uses ranked choice voting on a state-wide basis, though various other cities across the United States also use the alternative voting system in their local elections.
Top Issues in Alaska’s Major Cities
#1: Top Issues in Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. With a population exceeding 291,000, the city sits in the south-central part of the state and serves as a significant U.S. commercial port. This municipality has recently benefited from a statewide increase in construction activity — with office holders and political candidates watching closely to see if this economic development puts a damper on unemployment numbers.
Meanwhile, a debate has developed between the governor and Anchorage’s city assembly over the extent of the assembly’s subpoena powers. The mayor vetoed a measure to strengthen this capacity, and the assembly subsequently overrode the veto. Another major issue on the city government's docket this election season is affordable housing, which the Anchorage assembly recently voted to expand.
#2: Top Issues in Juneau
Front and center among local issues facing Juneau voters is the financial condition of the city’s public schools. The capital of Alaska, Juneau is located south of Anchorage, at the southern extremity of the state and very close to the Canadian border. Running an eight-million dollar deficit, the Juneau school board must now consider consolidating several schools.
In addition, due to several building implosions under the weight of heavy snow, the city may consider changes to building code ordinances.
#3: Top Issues in Fairbanks
Home to the state's flagship university, Fairbanks sits near the geographical center of the Land of the Midnight Sun. Its local politics touch on economic development, environmental conservation, and Indigenous rights. Among the policies relating to environmental conservation are the expansion of wind farms in the area and the local impact that 50 new wind turbines would have. Another ecological issue at hand is the proposed augmentation of landfill capacity.
Other Fairbanks issues include the identification and marking of blank burial plots at the Clay Street Cemetery. Still another subject that affects the local community is the establishment of a private vs. public fire department in the Two Rivers neighborhood of Fairbanks.
How to Get Involved in Local Politics in Alaska
Alaskans of all political stripes and affiliations can make a difference in these top issues and more by getting involved in local politics.
There are a variety of ways to become more involved in Alaska politics and make an impact in your community. Here are a few of the best:
Register to vote! Getting ready to participate in upcoming elections is a powerful way to influence Alaskan politics and help elect the state’s next batch of local leaders.
Stay informed. By listening to diverse perspectives about the top issues facing Alaska in 2024, you can become a more informed voter and play a more meaningful role in local politics.
Volunteer. Consider volunteering with a local or statewide organization that supports the causes you feel most passionate about. You might consider volunteering in support of Indigenous rights, environmental preservation, sustainable healthcare, or other causes. You might also consider volunteering with a national organization. Good Party is a great place to start for anyone hoping to make a difference in reforming American democracy. Learn more here about Good Party’s volunteer opportunities.
Run for office. Running for local or statewide office is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference in Alaska. By running for office — especially if you’re running as a people-powered, anti-corruption candidate — you can stand up for the issues that matter most to you and your community. Start planning your run for office by booking a free consultation with Good Party’s team of campaign experts today.
You can also learn more about what local and statewide political offices are up for election in Alaska this year by using our election look-up tool here.
Photo by Kathrine Coonjohn on Unsplash
