Updated: October 21, 2024 Published: October 21, 2024

As President and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus, I am deeply concerned by House Speaker Cathy Tilton's recent comments on a key election bill that House Republicans blocked in the last legislative session. Her admission that she vetoed the bill with the express intent of disenfranchising rural voters who would vote for a Democrat raises serious questions about the intent behind our electoral processes and the integrity of our democracy.

The bill in question sought to eliminate the witness signature requirement on mail-in ballots, a measure that disproportionately affects voters in rural Alaska, particularly in Alaska Native communities. The data is clear: In the 2022 special primary, nearly 11% of ballots from one county were rejected due to missing witness signatures. This isn't just a statistic; It represents voices that have been silenced and denied opportunities.

Voting is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of our democracy, that should not be made dependent on bureaucratic hurdles that deprive certain population groups of the right to vote. Although the requirement for a witness signature ostensibly serves to protect against misconduct, it has proven to be ineffective in practice. The Alaska Division of Elections has no method of verifying these signatures, making this requirement both unnecessary and detrimental.

Speaker Tilton's comments indicate a troubling willingness to put political gain over the rights of Alaskans. By acknowledging that this bill would have benefited U.S. House Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, she inadvertently underscores a critical issue: Our electoral system should serve the people, not the political machinations of those in power. It is disheartening to see legislative efforts to improve voter access being thwarted for partisan reasons.

The Alaska Federation of Natives has rightly expressed “deep concern” over these comments and emphasized the need for fair and impartial laws that protect every Alaskan’s right to vote. Joe Nelson, co-chair of the AFN, stated that “protecting the constitutional right to vote is a shared responsibility of all legislators.” I completely agree. We must hold our elected officials accountable for upholding the rights of all Alaskans, especially marginalized communities.

As we move forward, we must advocate for policies that improve, rather than hinder, accessibility for voters. The failed election law, which included same-day voter registration and provisions to correct mail-in voting errors, was a step in the right direction. It is unacceptable for such measures to be ignored, particularly when they aim to empower rural voters and address long-standing inequalities in our electoral system.

The Alaska Black Caucus is committed to ensuring that every eligible Alaska resident can participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers. We call on our lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritize the needs of the people over partisan politics. It is time to come together and advocate for the rights of all voters, especially those from marginalized communities who have historically faced barriers to participation.

We cannot allow the voices of Alaska Natives, seniors and other historically disadvantaged groups to be drowned out by political maneuvering. Together we must demand a system that is inclusive, fair and accessible to all. The integrity of our democracy depends on it.

Let us work to ensure every Alaskan's right to vote is protected and let us hold our leaders accountable to the ideals of fairness and justice. The future of our state and the strength of our democracy depend on it.

Celeste Hodge Grown is president and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus. She lives in Anchorage.

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