OPINION: Unite communities across Alaska — vote no on Ballot Measure 2

This year, we were elected mayor of two of the largest communities in Alaska — Fairbanks and Anchorage. Combined, we serve more than half the population of Alaska. Both of us ran for these offices based on our desire to serve our entire communities, not just partisan insiders. Both of us know that the way to advance our communities is by working together, not by sowing division. We know Alaskans overwhelmingly want to see bipartisanship and collaboration from their elected officials. That is why we are both voting no on Ballot Measure 2.

We were both elected to serve Alaska communities that have been represented by Republicans, Democrats and independents. There is nothing more Alaskan than a voting system that allows us to vote for the best candidate in every election, regardless of party. Here in Alaska, more than 60% of voters choose not to affiliate with either major party, and a majority of voters vote a split ticket, cutting across party lines to vote for the candidates they think can do the job best.

Defeating Ballot Measure 2 will protect our system of open primaries and ranked choice voting. It will keep the true power with the voters, not the parties. And voting no will help ensure that our elected officials answer to all of their constituents, not just the few who are able to vote in a party primary.

Returning to closed party primaries is a perfect recipe for partisan gridlock. We cannot afford to take such a big step backward. We must defeat Ballot Measure 2 and protect our open primaries.

Compromise isn’t a bad word — it’s how we come together and get things done. We need a system where those serving in Juneau and Washington, D.C. are rewarded for their willingness to work across the aisle, not punished for it. As mayors of local communities that need state and federal action, we support a system that encourages working together and delivering results.

Our communities may be separated by nearly 400 miles, but we’ve arrived at the same place on this ill-advised ballot measure. Together, we ask that you join us in protecting our voting system and protecting our future — join us in voting no on Ballot Measure 2.

Grier Hopkins is the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. He previously served two terms as a representative in the Alaska Legislature.

Suzanne LaFrance is the mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage. She formerly served on the Anchorage Assembly, including as its chair.

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