OPINION: We must safeguard every Alaskan’s right to vote

As the president and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus, I am deeply concerned by House Speaker Cathy Tilton’s recent comments regarding a critical election bill that House Republicans blocked in the last legislative session. Her admission that she vetoed the bill with the explicit intent of disenfranchising rural voters who would vote for a Democrat raises serious questions about the intent behind our electoral processes and the integrity of our democracy.

The bill in question aimed to eliminate the witness signature requirement on absentee ballots, a measure that disproportionately affects voters in rural Alaska, particularly Alaska Native communities. The data is clear: In the 2022 special primary election, nearly 11% of ballots from one rural district were rejected due to missing witness signatures. This is not just a statistic; it represents voices silenced and opportunities denied.

Voting is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of our democracy that should not be contingent upon bureaucratic hurdles that disenfranchise specific populations. The witness signature requirement, while ostensibly a safeguard against misconduct, has proven ineffective in practice. The Alaska Division of Elections does not have a method for verifying these signatures, rendering the requirement both redundant and detrimental.

Speaker Tilton’s comments suggest a troubling willingness to prioritize political gain over the rights of Alaskans. By acknowledging that this bill would have benefited U.S. House Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, she inadvertently highlights a critical issue: our electoral system should serve the people, not the political machinations of those in power. It is disheartening to witness legislative efforts aimed at enhancing voter access being thwarted for partisan reasons.

The Alaska Federation of Natives has rightly expressed its “deep concern” over these comments, emphasizing the imperative for fair and nonpartisan laws that protect every Alaskan’s right to vote. Joe Nelson, co-chair of the AFN, stated that “protecting the constitutional right to vote is a responsibility that all legislators share.” I wholeheartedly agree. We must hold our elected officials accountable for upholding the rights of all Alaskans, especially marginalized communities.

As we move forward, we must advocate for policies that enhance voter accessibility rather than obstruct it. The failed election bill, which included same-day voter registration and provisions for correcting absentee ballot errors, was a step in the right direction. It is unacceptable that such measures were sidelined, particularly when they are designed to empower rural voters and address long-standing inequities in our electoral system.

The Alaska Black Caucus stands firmly with all efforts to ensure that every eligible Alaskan can participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers. We call upon our lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritize the needs of the people over partisan politics. It is time to come together and champion the rights of every voter, particularly those from marginalized communities who have historically faced barriers to participation.

We cannot allow the voices of Alaska Natives, seniors and other historically disadvantaged groups to be drowned out by political maneuvering. Together, we must demand a system that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. The integrity of our democracy depends on it.

Let us work to ensure that every Alaskan’s right to vote is protected, and let us hold our leaders accountable to the ideals of fairness and justice. The future of our state and the strength of our democracy depend on it.

Celeste Hodge Growden is the president and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus. She lives in Anchorage.

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