For the first time, Alaska voters anywhere in the world can request and receive election ballots electronically, by email or fax, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell announced this week.
The application for an electronic ballot is at www.elections.alaska.gov. Voters should fill it out, and mail, email or fax it back to the Alaska Division of Elections.
The division is supposed to email or fax the correct ballot to the voter within 48 hours.
The voter then mails her ballot in, or faxes it or sends it through an online ballot return system that the state says is secure.
The system was launched last month. It's been open to military and overseas voters since late September, and is now open to all registered voters through 5 p.m. Nov. 5, the day before the election.
Other ways to vote early are:
IN PERSON
Ballots for all 40 districts are available at these locations:
• In Anchorage, go to the state Elections Office at 2525 Gambell St. or Anchorage City Hall Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The state Elections Office is also open to voters 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Saturday before the election, and noon to 4 p.m. that Sunday.
The UAA student union will have early voting 8 a.m. to 5 p. m. Monday, Nov. 5.
• At JBER, go to the BX/PX at 5899 Westover Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 through Nov. 5.
• In Wasilla, go to the Matanuska-Susitna Elections Office at 1700 E. Bogard Road 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 5. People can also vote on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Ballots just for area districts, state and national issues, are available:
• In Eagle River, go to the Chugiak Senior Center, 22424 N. Birchwood Loop Road, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• In Palmer, go to the Mat-Su Borough offices at 350 E. Dahlia Ave., weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ABSENTEE
• Go to the Alaska Division of Elections website and print off a ballot application. Complete and sign it (real signature only), and mail, fax or send it as an email attachment to the Division of Elections.
•Go to the Alaska Division of Elections website and complete your application for a ballot online, using their interactive mail ballot application called wizard.
• Visit a Division of Elections office.
Reach Rosemary Shinohara at rshinohara@adn.com or 257-4340.
By ROSEMARY SHINOHARA