Elections

All elections stories. (These stories are also categorized as “politics”.)

Walker To Be Sworn in Monday

Gov.-elect Bill Walker and Lt. Gov.-elect Byron Mallott will be sworn into office Monday morning at Juneau's Centennial Hall. The public inauguration ceremony begins at 11:30 and is expected to last about an hour. There will be seating available in the main ballroom for nearly a 1,000 people.

Anti-Begich Ad in Voter Guide Prompts Bill to Ban Parties From Booklet

The state Division of Elections took some heat this year for publishing an attack ad against Sen. Mark Begich within the pages of the official voter guide. Now, Rep. Les Gara, an Anchorage Democrat, wants to ban partisan ads in the guide, a booklet that’s mailed to every voting household. Download Audio

Begich Bill Would Shush Political Calls

After losing an election that was the most expensive -- and some say annoying -- in state history, outgoing Sen. Mark Begich has proposed a bill that would curtail political calls to voters’ homes. Download Audio

Hoffman, Halford Prepare for Walker Transition Weekend

Bethel’s Ana Hoffman and former Senate President Rick Halford are chairing incoming Governor Bill Walker’s transition team. Walker is racing towards inauguration next month. Download Audio

What’s Next For Sen. Mark Begich?

Sen. Mark Begich finally conceded that he lost the election this week, but for now, until Jan. 3, he’s still a U.S. senator, and he’s back in Washington. Download Audio

Begich Concedes Senate Race to Sullivan

Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Begich has conceded the Alaska Senate race to Republican Dan Sullivan. Begich called Sullivan to congratulate him Monday. He said he urged Sullivan "to adopt a bipartisan resolve in the Senate."

After Parnell Concession, Walker Transition Formally Begins

The logistical aspects of the transition are being handled by small circle of advisors, which includes newly hired chief of staff Jim Whitaker.

Parnell concedes gubernatorial race to Walker

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has conceded in the state’s gubernatorial race, issuing a statement a day after independent candidate Bill Walker was declared the winner.

Associated Press: Walker Unseats Parnell

Unaffiliated candidate Bill Walker has increased his lead in the governor's race. Meanwhile, the gap in the Senate race shrunk slightly. Download Audio

As Final Ballot Count Looms, Potential Electees Plan Next Move

The Division of Elections will continue counting ballots today - Friday - 8 business days after the November 4th election. As Alaskans wait for final counts in especially the Governor and U.S. Senate race, the presumptive winners, Bill Walker and Dan Sullivan, are planning their way forward. However, it's important to note that as of today, Friday—neither Governor Sean Parnell or Senator Mark Begich have yet conceded, that of course could change later today based on ballot counting that will take place later today. KSKA: Friday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Friday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 15 at 4:30 p.m. Download Audio

Where Did That $57 Million Go?

More than $57 million was spent on Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, which comes to about $230 per vote cast, and the campaigns aren’t done reporting their spending totals. If you're looking for where it went, start with where a lot of it came from: Out of state. Then look at your TV. Download Audio

With Persistent Lead, Sullivan Heads to Washington

With more votes counted in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, Republican Dan Sullivan still leads Democrat Mark Begich by about 8,000 votes. While Begich hasn't conceded, the former attorney general seem to be claiming his victory. A spokesman says he's flying to Washington today. Download Audio

Walker Selects Leaders For Gubernatorial Transition Team

Bill Walker had increased his lead over Republican Gov. Sean Parnell to 4,000 votes after the Division of Elections tallied 20,000 uncounted ballots on Tuesday . With a Walker win looking more likely, a transition team is being formed to prepare for a December 1 inauguration.

Sullivan Unseats Begich In Senate Race

Republican Dan Sullivan led incumbent Democrat Mark Begich by about 8,100 votes on Election Night last week, and when state officials counted absentee and questioned ballots Tuesday, the results indicated that Begich could not overcome Sullivan's lead.

Alaska Division of Elections Begins Counting Absentee, Questioned Ballots

After a week of collecting and reviewing absentee ballots, workers at the Division of Elections are now running 17,000 of those uncounted votes through machines. APRN’s Alexandra Gutierrez is at the Anchorage office observing the process. Download Audio

Claman increases lead in House District 21 race

Democrat Matt Claman has pulled further ahead of his opponent, Republican Anand Dubey, in the House District 21 race. The Division of Elections started counting absentee and question ballots Tuesday afternoon. Claman is now ahead by 86 votes. Download Audio

With Votes Still Coming In, Elections Division Prepares For Count

After a week of collecting and reviewing absentee and questioned ballots, the Division of Elections will start counting votes on Tuesday.

Some Communities Investigating Local Option To Ban Marijuana

Though the final count is still pending, unofficial results show Alaskans voting “yes” to legalizing marijuana in last week’s election. But the road to a legal and regulated marijuana market is months away, and communities who still want to keep the divisive drug out are looking at doing so the same way many currently ban alcohol: the local option. Download Audio

Y-K Delta Representative Bob Herron Named Majority Whip

Y-K Delta House Representative Bob Herron will be the Whip for the Majority Caucus this January. Herron and the Republican-led caucus just finished two days of organization meetings. As Majority Whip, the District 38 Democrat is charged with making sure there is effective communication in the caucus.

How Will Legal Marijuana Work In Rural Alaska?

Early next year, Alaskans will be able to legally buy, transport, and use small amounts of marijuana. The initiative will not be law until three months after the vote is certified, and the state has more time to come up with rules for marijuana sales. Download Audio