Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

July 31, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Primary Election is on August 18th. We want voters to feel confident and informed about their vote, so we'll be discussing ballot measures and voting in a weekly series up until the election.

Below, we'll show you how you can check your voter registration status and how to contact the Division of Elections to ensure that you're ready to vote.

Read on to learn more.

Each of the next three weeks, we are sharing information about the August 18th primary election. We will cover Ballot Measure 1 and voting information to help Alaskans understand the voting process and what to expect when you cast your ballot. Our goal is to provide helpful information and resources so that all Alaskans can feel confident and informed when we vote.

Election Series

Ballot Measure No. 1: Campaign Finance Limits

Ballot Measure No. 1 is a citizen-initiated measure to restore campaign contribution limits for Alaska’s state and local elections that will be on the ballot in the primary election.

In 2021, the federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the existing limits were too restrictive under the First Amendment and struck down Alaska’s individual contribution limits. Since 2021, individuals have been able to contribute unlimited amounts to state and local candidates in Alaska.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed House Bill 16, sponsored by Rep. Calvin Schrage, to establish new campaign contribution limits, but Governor Dunleavy vetoed the legislation. As a result, voters will now decide the issue through Ballot Measure 1. If approved by a majority of voters, Ballot Measure No. 1 would set new limits on how much individuals can give to state and local candidates. It also raises the limits on how much groups can give to candidates.

The old limits for individual donations were $500 per person per candidate per year. The limits for non-political groups still remain at $1,000 per candidate per year, but the ballot measure would increase those limits.

The proposed new limits are $2,000 per person per candidate per election cycle and $5,000 per person for political parties. Non-political groups would be able to give $4,000 to candidates and $5,000 to other parties or groups. Individuals would also be able to give $4,000 to joint campaigns for governor and lieutenant governor, and groups would be able to give $8,000.

Supporters contend that contribution limits will reduce the influence of large donors and special interests. You can read the Statement of Support of Ballot Measure 1 here.

Opponents contend that limits will restrict political participation and make it harder for candidates to raise money. You can read the Statement in Opposition to Ballot Measure 1 here.

A YES vote favors setting new limits on how much individuals and groups can contribute to Alaska state and local candidates.

A NO vote favors keeping the current rules in place so that individuals can continue making unlimited contributions to state and local candidates.

Voter Registration Letters

Last week, the House State Affairs and House Judiciary Committees held a Joint Hearing on recent Division of Elections (DOE) decisions. Toward the end of the hearing, we learned that the DOE sent approximately 3,100 letters to Alaska residents asking them to verify their citizenship.

The DOE checks their voter registration list against Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data on a quarterly basis. Director Carol Beecher stated that this process usually only produces 200 voters, and that the large number this year is likely the result of "old data" that made its way into the system. The DOE put the recipients of the letter on the inactive voter registration list until they verify their citizenship with the DOE.

We urge everyone who received this letter to respond to the letter and to check their voter registration prior to the primary election.

Check your Voter Registration Status

You can check your voter registration status from home. Go to the Division of Elections My Voter Portal webpage and enter your first, last name, and mailing city.

If your registration shows "inactive" and you are a U.S. citizen, email the DOE or call the DOE using the contact webpage for DOE phone numbers and ask DOE to return you to "active" voter status.

Email: elections@alaska.gov

DOE Contacts: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/contact-information/

U.S. Citizen Requirements for Alaska Voters

State of Alaska Division of Elections "Registration Requirements" webpage.

https://www.elections.alaska.gov/voter-information/#Reg

Community Events

Alaska Neighborhood Health Center Open House

When: Wednesday, August 5th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Alaska Neighborhood Health Center (4951 Business Park Blvd)

Alaska Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) is excited to invite you to our upcoming National Health Center Week (NHCW) Open House event on Wednesday, August 5, from 10 AM to 3 PM! This is a great opportunity to explore how ANHC supports the health and well-being of Alaskans across all ages and stages of life. Whether you’re a current patient, a potential new one, or a community partner, we welcome you to join us for an afternoon of connection and celebration.

The event will feature guided tours of our facility, free blood pressure screenings, door prizes, snacks and light refreshments, and family-friendly activities. Come learn more about the wide range of care ANHC offers and how we’re working to make high-quality, affordable health care accessible to everyone in our community. We hope to see you there!

This is a free event. For more information or to RSVP, please click here.