In the small Alaska Native village of Kaktovik, located on an island in the Arctic Ocean, the lack of an elections chairperson led to the closure of the polling station during the August primary. This issue is not unique to Kaktovik, as many remote Native villages in Alaska face persistent voting challenges.
With the upcoming November general election, the implications of these problems could be significant, especially in determining the control of Congress. The state's only representative in the House, Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, is in a tight reelection fight against Republican Nick Begich.
Efforts are being made by state, regional, and local officials to ensure that all precincts have workers and that polling sites open on time. However, finding temporary workers to help run elections in these remote villages can be a challenge.
Alaska Native voters have faced various obstacles, including language barriers and issues with absentee ballots. In some cases, polling sites did not open on time, and ballots were not delivered promptly, affecting the voting process.
Residents of Kaktovik, mostly Inupiat, rely on hunting caribou and bowhead whales for sustenance. The village's unique location between the Arctic Ocean and Alaska's North Slope presents challenges such as limited access and extreme weather conditions.
Despite the disenfranchisement of Alaska Native voters, efforts are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Alaska Federation of Natives is addressing concerns with mail service and its impact on voting accessibility.
It is crucial to ensure that every person has the opportunity to vote and that their vote is counted fairly. The disenfranchisement of Alaska Native voters should be a matter of concern for all, emphasizing the importance of accessible and inclusive voting processes.
