On Friday, the ADN reported that only 17.4% of registered voters cast a ballot in the latest Anchorage municipal election. In the very same edition, there was a report of the Alaska House of Representatives having its annual argument about the level of this year’s Permanent Fund dividend.
In my opinion, 17.4% is dismal display of citizen involvement in the working of our government. While there is the line of thinking that in a lower voter turnout each participating voter’s choices have more clout, I believe that each resident of voting age has an opinion that should be heard. We all have a stake in what government does or doesn’t do, and since we have a representative form of government, our participation should be at the ballot box.
An idea came to me that would increase voter participation. How about if everyone of voting age when applying for a Permanent Fund dividend check be required to be registered as a voter in the State of Alaska and show proof of having voted in all municipal, borough and state elections for the year of application?
As residents and citizens of Alaska, we all have a stake in the natural resources of the state, and those resources have provided the wealth that is now the Permanent Fund. Being a citizen also comes with responsibilities. Making your voice heard by voting is one of them.
— David Stutzer
Homer
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.