Alaska House Speaker Cathy Tilton suggested on a talk radio show that Republican members of the House majority blocked an election bill because it would have increased the likelihood of Alaska’s Democratic congresswoman holding on to her seat by making it easier for predominantly Alaska Native residents of rural Alaska to vote.
House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, chats with Rep. Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau.
The witness signature requirement led to the disqualification of ballots disproportionately in rural parts of the state in the 2022 special primary election,Alaska Native voters, who make up the majority in some rural districts, have overwhelmingly supported Peltola, the first Alaska Native woman to serve in Congress.
”It is important to ensure that laws affecting Alaskans’ right to vote are fair and non-partisan. Protecting the constitutional right to vote is a responsibility that all legislators share, regardless of their affiliations, and they should work to uphold this right for all Alaskans,” said Joe Nelson, co-chair of AFN and Peltola’s ex-husband, in a prepared statement.
”Mary has been working for All Alaskans for two years — and we hope to earn their votes in the election. It’s disrespectful that her opponent’s supporters would attempt to prevent Alaska Natives from voting. We hope all Alaskans and especially Natives send a signal to Nick and his allies that this type of scam will not be tolerated,” Mason said.the House in the final hours of the legislative session in dramatic circumstances. The bill was introduced by Homer Republican Rep.
“It was one of the major disappointments of the session. That election bill failed as it did right at the very end — and by a single vote or two,” said Dillingham independent Rep. Bryce Edgmon, who caucused with the mostly Republican majority but supported the legislation.
Alaska Politics Election Mary Peltola Native Voters
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