The state elections director says a lawsuit spawned by poll worker errors in the August primary election served as a teaching moment. Josie Bahnke says her division is ready for Tuesday’s general election.
Bahnke said she feels good heading into the election, especially after providing in-person training with poll workers and listening to their concerns. One of the points stressed is the number that workers should call if they have any issues.
The Division of Elections was sued over its handling of a primary race between state Rep. Benjamin Nageak of Barrow and Dean Westlake, both Democrats. The division certified Westlake as the winner, a decision that was challenged by Nageak and overturned by a superior court judge. The Alaska Supreme Court ultimately reinstated Westlake as the winner.
State GOP Chairman Tuckerman Babcock says he hopes the division takes issues dealing with training and handling of ballots seriously.
