The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to supervise Alaska’s adherence to federal voting regulations in select rural regions during the upcoming November 5 elections. This decision spotlights the ongoing efforts to ensure fair voting access across remote areas of the state, particularly areas predominantly inhabited by Alaska Natives.
Voting rights and accessibility have been pressing issues in Alaska, where vast, roadless territories can complicate electoral processes. The DOJ’s attention will center on five key regions: the Bethel, Dillingham, and Kusilvak Census Areas, along with the North Slope and Northwest Arctic Boroughs. This nearly covers the entire northern and western expanses of Alaska, apart from the Nome Census Area.
Recent elections have spotlighted the challenges in these areas. For instance, during this year’s primary elections, a number of communities, including Napaskiak and Stony River, faced delays in opening polls. These issues are compounded in regions where there are few or no dedicated polling stations, forcing communities to either share facilities or travel substantial distances.
Moreover, Alaska’s singular early voting location in rural regions is located in Nome, which places additional burdens on residents of distant communities. Although absentee in-person voting offers a partial solution, these ballots have historically faced higher rejection rates compared to those in urban settings due to verification processes that occur post-submission, rather than pre-voting as in early voting scenarios.
Adding to the complexities are significant allegations and legal actions concerning Alaska’s voting practices. Earlier this year, a U.S. District Court approved an extension of a settlement regarding a case that claimed the state had inadequately provided language assistance to Alaska Native voters, potentially breaching the Voting Rights Act. Moreover, just last year, the DOJ found that Alaska had failed to furnish adequate voting access to individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), indicating systemic issues at various governmental levels.
The state’s election system has also faced technical mishaps, such as the erroneous delivery of absentee ballots to over 90 voters in communities like Dillingham, King Salmon, and Aniak, indicating persistent logistical challenges.
On the day of the election, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division plans to have personnel available to address public inquiries and complaints relating to potential violations of federal voting laws. The public can report issues via the department’s website or through a toll-free number, ensuring a channel for immediate feedback and assistance.
The focus on Alaska by the DOJ underscores a broader national conversation about voting rights and access, particularly in geographically and demographically unique areas of the United States. As the election approaches, the monitoring efforts in Alaska will be closely watched as a bellwether for ongoing federal commitments to ensuring equitable voting processes across the nation.
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