Alaska’s house district map looks dramatically different than the last statewide election two years ago. And while the new districts may take some getting used to for candidates and voters, the state Division of Elections has been ready since the plan was first approved last spring.
State Elections Director Gail Fenumiai says the division began sending out new voter registration cards weeks ago.
“People have been calling regularly and checking in to see where their new polling place is located in their new district and precinct,” she says. “And then all voters received voter identification cards toward the early part of August that identified for them their new district and precinct number and the information that came along with that also said where their new polling place was located.”
Voters who still have questions can look up their polling place on the Division of Elections website. District numbers have changed: Juneau is now districts 31 and 32.
“If people find themselves going out of town, many of our airports in the state will have ballots on Election Day for people to vote,” Fenumiai says.
Fenumiai says primary turnout is often low, between 20 and 30 percent, but she’s hoping this year will be higher.
Polling places open Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Fenumiai expects to begin releasing results on the state website at 9 p.m.
KTOO News will offer election results Tuesday on our website at ktoonews.org.
And beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday, KTOO Radio also will carry live statewide updates at the top of every hour from the Alaska Public Radio Network.
