PALMER — An official Matanuska-Susitna Borough election booklet set for distribution this fall to nearly 100,000 registered voters will include a roughly 300-word statement honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk and other victims of political violence.
The statement broadly recognizes individuals who sacrificed their lives for freedom of expression and democratic rights. It urges citizens to protect democracy through civil dialogue and respectful engagement, and emphasizes that liberty endures only when communities defend and renew it through both words and actions.
The statement begins with a note that it is “in memoriam of Charlie Kirk, 1993–2025, and other victims of political violence.”
A measure adding the statement to the inside cover of the election brochure was approved unanimously by the Mat-Su Borough Assembly during a regular meeting Tuesday. The brochure will be distributed by mail before the borough’s General Election scheduled for Nov. 4.
The annual mailer includes more than 40 pages with candidate information, ballot question summaries, and details on how and where to vote. It is sent by mail to all registered Matanuska-Susitna Borough voters.
Kirk, 31, died after being shot Sept. 10 while speaking at a university in Orem, Utah. He was the founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA.
The proposal was not included on the agenda and the Assembly did not hear public comment before voting on it.
Assembly member Maxwell Sumner, whose district includes Wasilla, initially introduced a version of the measure that did not specifically name Kirk.
Assembly member Dmitri Fonov proposed the update adding Kirk’s name, and Assembly member Stephanie Nowers added the line recognizing other victims of political violence. Fonov’s district includes portions of Palmer and Wasilla; Nower’s district includes Palmer.
Those amendments passed 5-2, with Sumner and Assembly member Tim Hale voting no. Sumner said he had a “deep, visceral reaction to the recent events in our nation,” but intended the statement to be nonpartisan and did not want to name Kirk. He said the statement was drafted with assistance from AI.
“There are a lot of victims of political violence,” Sumner said. “I think Charlie Kirk probably wouldn't want his name on this.”
Assembly member Ron Bernier proposed adding “In God We Trust” to the end of the statement, and the Assembly unanimously approved the change. Bernier's district includes Talkeetna.
While minor voter brochure edits or formatting changes by the Assembly are common, Tuesday’s change marks the first major addition from the dais in at least two decades, Borough Clerk Lonnie McKechnie said in an interview.
Tuesday’s Assembly meeting also included a moment of silence for Kirk requested by Fonov, and a prayer related to Kirk’s death led by Bernier. A large poster of Kirk was placed near Fonov at the front of the dais.
“I’d like to take a moment to honor the life of the great Charlie Kirk,” Fonov said. “His strong faith is what drove him to do what he did, and he did it really well. He inspired so many people, including me personally, to get involved and is one of the reasons why I’m here today.”
The full brochure statement approved by the Assembly is as follows:
“In memoriam of Charlie Kirk, 1993-2025, and other victims of political violence.
“As we prepare for civic participation and to exercise our democratic rights during this election season, we pause to honor those who have paid the ultimate price in defense of free speech and liberty. Throughout the history of democracy, there are individuals who have stood for the right to speak freely, to challenge authority, to gather peacefully and to live by conscience. Some have done so in public squares, on campuses, in protests during rallies in legislatures or in media, and too many have met in violence for that struggle. Their sacrifice is not in vain.
“Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy, as a right our founding fathers placed first among their amendments, as the foundation on which we build honest discourse, responsible governance and meaningful community. In honoring those who have fallen, regardless of background, belief or political persuasion, we reaffirm our commitment to civil dialogue, peaceful engagement and the right of every citizen to speak their truth without fear of reprisal.
“In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, where liberty is a cherished value, we are reminded that democracy does not take care of itself -- it must be protected, nurtured and renewed. The integrity of our elections, the accountability of our elected officials and the resilience of our communities all depend on our willingness to stand up for these freedoms.
“Let us remember with reverence the men and women who have given their lives for liberty, and let us honor them not only in words, but through our actions, in voting our principles and listening with patience and speaking with respect and in standing firm for the rights of others, even when we disagree. Freedom continues only when we defend it. May their courage serve to inspire ours. In God we trust.”
-- Contact Amy Bushatz at contact@matsusentinel.com
