Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media

Sniffen had filled the position in an acting capacity since former Attorney General Kevin Clarkson resigned in August.

The new system would allow lawmakers to vote from the regional legislative information offices, or from their homes if they are quarantined or isolated.

It was a quiet day outside of the Capitol, where it rained through most of the afternoon. It also was quiet inside the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting in small groups as they attempted to form majority caucuses in both chambers.

While some lawmakers have expressed concern that the governor has issued multiple declarations without the Legislature meeting, no one has sued to try to block them. 

The Legislative Council filed a lawsuit on Dec. 23 seeking to remove appointees made since April 2019 to positions that require the Legislature’s approval. 

Alaska’s population dropped by nearly 4,000 people — or 0.5%– last year, according to estimates released from the state.

Sen. Gary Stevens says he’s become more patriotic as he’s become older, but questioned what has gone wrong in the country that led to Wednesday’s events.

The policies could be changed once the newly elected Legislature convenes Jan. 19.

Major differences among Republicans mean Alaskans still don’t know who will be in the majorities in both the House and the Senate.

The Alaska Public Offices Commission will decide what, if any, penalty Pruitt will have to pay. The maximum fine for the violations $1,022,250.