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Public Notice of Absentee Voting Stations Required

(JUNEAU) - The Alaska Senate passed legislation today that will ensure adequate public notice of absentee voting station locations.

"The location and opening periods for absentee voting stations is currently at the discretion of the Director of the Division of Elections and requires no public notice of where the stations will be and when they will be open," said Sen. Jerry Ward (R-Kenai/Anchorage), sponsor of Senate Bill 187. "This has lead to some inconsistencies in opening dates and voting locations. The lack of adequate public notice has left many people who are trying to apply for absentee ballots in person confused about where they need to go."

Senate Bill 187 requires that the elections director provide full public notice of the location of all absentee voting stations at least 45 days before each election. The bill also requires that all stations be opened no more than 15 days prior to a primary, general or special election.

"Requiring this public notification will make it easier for all Alaskans to participate in the voting process," said Ward.

SB 187 passed the Senate with a vote of 14 - 6, and a notice of reconsideration was filed.

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 187
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 98 K

| Sen. Ward's Page |

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