Alaska, the 49th state and geographically separated from mainland USA fares no differently, when it comes to election issues, from its fellow states.

The right to vote in Alaska, as in any other state, is a gift granted to all Americans.  This was not always the case, and although the gift was given freely, in the past it has only been to some citizens.   The major exceptions were Indigenous Americans and other persons of specific racial heritage; and women – in most states.

Nowadays, the suffrage is open to all and everyone is urged to use this gift to aid in better governance.  Regrettably, not every American, including Alaskans, do not take advantage of it.   Voting in the United States, unlike Australia, is not compulsory.

Let’s turn back to when only the privileged had the right to vote.  The privileged meant the moneyed; the businessman and land owners.

In the early 1860s -all men, even the most indigent and the non-land owners were offered that privilege.  A bloody civil war and the incumbent government seeking support from its citizens was the beginning of that basic right of full suffrage to all.

Earlier we mentioned women as people who did not have the right to vote.  It was not until 14th of March, 1913 that Alaska granted full suffrage to womenfolk – only one of ten states to do so. Women could vote but not hold any major office.

There are no specific laws when it comes to voting.  This is where the beauty of the constitutional amendments comes in; each state can enact its own specific voting laws.  The overriding exceptions being any Federal laws that called for electoral changes.  Changes such as lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.  The feeling was, if a citizen was drafted at aged 18, then the privilege of having the right to vote should be theirs.  This came to pass in 1971 with President Lyndon Johnson, passing the 26th Amendment.

With the question of who has the right to vote in Alaska – all citizens over the age of 18 have that the right, in a general election to vote for both the President and vice-president on the same day.  However, some Alaskans, have had that right revoked by the State Department of Corrections.
An Alaskan may vote by:

• Questioned ballot, if they do not have an ID or have changed their residence.
• Vote absentee at a specific absentee voting location,
• By mail or by fax ballot.
• There is no provision, as yet, for on-line voting.

Having said that, the way is open for all eligible Alaskans to register on-line

When it comes to state and senate elections,  the right to vote in Alaska is extended to all  incumbent residents of the State and absentees due to military service, college or other career or educational commitments.
The right to vote has been fought for and many Americans have paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain that gift.   Who has the right to vote in Alaska?  Every eligible person of whatever gender or racial orientation.

Incoming search terms:

• www alaskafreedom com

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