Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

May 5, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last week, Governor Dunleavy vetoed Senate Bill 64, a bipartisan elections bill that made our voting system in Alaska more accessible to all eligible voters and more secure against voting fraud. On Monday, the Legislature met in joint session and failed to override that veto.

Please read on for more information.

The Legislature Fails to Override the Governor's Veto of the Elections Bill

In March, the Legislature approved a bipartisan elections bill, Senate Bill 64, 14-6 in the Senate and 23-16 in the House. Last week, the Governor vetoed that bill.

On Monday, the Legislature met in joint session to consider overriding that veto. Overriding the veto required 40 votes to pass, but only 38 legislators voted to override. Two legislators voted for the original bill but not to override the governor.

Because the Legislature sustained the veto, the bill is now dead. With less than a month of session left, it is unlikely to be re-introduced and passed this year. Any additional efforts to reform Alaska's elections must begin again when a new Legislature convenes in January 2027.

→ To read about the bill, click here.

→ To read about the governor's veto, click here.

MMIP Awareness Day

Today, May 5, is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day. Today, we honor the Indigenous people in Alaska and across the country who are missing or have been murdered, and to pay respect to their families and loved ones. The disproportionate rates in which Alaska Native and Indigenous people go missing or murdered is heartbreaking, and meaningful steps need to be taken to help bring justice to our most vulnerable.

Please join in honor of MMIP Awareness Day by wearing red in solidarity with those impacted.

Community Events

Alaska Native Heritage Center Mother's Day Celebration & Summer Season Opening

When: Sunday, May 10th at 9:00 AM

Where: Alaska Native Heritage Center (8800 Heritage Center Dr.)

The Alaska Native Heritage Center’s summer season begins with our free Annual Mother’s Day Celebration on Sunday, May 10, 2026!

Join us for a full day of cultural activities, live performances, guided tours, and special programming for all ages. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends for a memorable celebration.

Mother’s Day highlights include:

Special take-home gift for moms (limited supply)
Free face painting from 12-4PM
Alaska Native dance performances by ANHC dancers and guest groups
Alaska Native artist vendors
10% off all items at the Ch'k'iqadi Gallery
Coffee , savory foods, sweet treats, and more at Café Di’eshchin
FREE ADMISSION!

RSVP on our Facebook event to stay updated on exciting program highlights and announcements as the day approaches! Click here for more information.

Chugach Member Appreciation Day

When: Friday, May 29th from 1:00 to 5:30 PM

Where: ChangePoint Church (6689 Changepoint Dr)

Join us May 29 from to 1 to 4 p.m. at ChangePoint Alaska for our annual Chugach Member Appreciation Event, a family-friendly celebration to thank members for being part of our cooperative. This year’s event is packed with activities for all ages, including:

Southcentral Power Project plant tours (registration required)
Bucket truck rides
Educational booths
Electric vehicle displays
Lunch
Prizes and giveaways!

Annual Meeting: 4:00 to 5:30 PM

Following the Chugach Member Appreciation Event, members are invited to join us inside ChangePoint for the Annual Meeting at 4:00 PM. Leadership will provide an update on Chugach business, with election results announced at the end of the meeting.

For more information on the meeting or election, or to reserve a spot on a power plant tour, visit www.chugachelectric.com/annual-meeting.