Elections

In next Tuesday’s primary race Congressman Don Young will be defending his 40 year tenure as Alaska’s lone U.S. House member against two Republican challengers and five Democrats also vying for the seat.

Two Republicans with ties to the Matanuska Susitna Borough School Board are vying for the Senate D candidate’s slot in next week’s primary. While both see education funding as a priority, the two have distinct views on the state’s fiscal policies.

A measure on next week’s primary election ballot would allow the local option of increasing the residential property tax exemption from the current $20,000 to a maximum of $50,000. If approved, municipal voters would then have to O.K. any change. Local government could also adjust the exemption to reflect increases in the cost of living.

When Unalaskans go to vote in October’s municipal election, their options will be limited. None of the incumbents running for city council or school board face any competition.

The groups sparring over a ballot measure to restore the Alaska Coastal Management Program traded barbs Friday, accusing each other of campaign disclosure violations.

Alaska voters are being asked to enact a law restoring the Coastal Zone Management program with Ballot Measure Two. Critics say the law is poorly drafted and would halt development. Advocates say it simply restores a local voice. Decision time is approaching for Ballot Measure Two, and that’s why it’s the topic on the next Talk of Alaska. KSKA: Tuesday, 8/21 at 10:00am

(Updated Mon. 8/7) The Republican National Convention will take place in Tampa, Florida from Tuesday, August 28 through Thursday, August 30. The Democratic National Convention will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina from Tuesday, September 4 through Thursday, September 6. Watch or listen to convention coverage on Alaska Public TV or KSKA FM. Broadcast details HERE.

An Anchorage Democrat who hopes to take on Rep. Don Young for the U.S. Congress seat is in Ketchikan for a few days, listening to voters and getting his message out.

Host Michael Carey moderates a discussion with the candidates running for United States Representative in the Alaska Primary Election on August 28, 2012. Tune in on KSKA FM 91.1 or Alaska Public Television. Times listed below are approximate. 7:00 PM Democrats Debra Chesnut Fairbanks Sharon M. Cissna Anchorage Matt Moore Anchorage Doug Urquidi Eagle River Frank J. Vondersaar Homer 8:00 PM Republicans John R. Cox Anchor Point Terre L. Gales Eagle River Don Young Ft. Yukon 8:50 PM Libertarian Jim C. McDermott Fairbanks

7:00 PM House 6 Mat-Su 7:05 PM Senate D, House 7, House 8 Willow, Houston, Palmer 8:10 PM Senate E, House 9, House 10 Greater Wasilla, Big Lake, Point McKenzie Read More...

An interim voter district map is in place for this fall’s election, but the state’s redistricting process is far from over. Alaska Redistricting Board chairman John Torgerson says lawsuits challenging the redraw of Alaska voting districts remain in play.

The U.S. Justice Department today (Wednesday) gave its approval - or preclearance - to Alaska's new redistricting plan. Alaska Redistricting Board Chair Taylor Bickford says the Amended Proclamation Plan can now be used as a voting map for the November elections.