My first time as a poll worker in Anchorage was in 2022, and I worked both the primary and the election. Knowing that the voting process would be different this time, I voted early, at City Hall, and had an opportunity with fresh eyes to see how to vote with a ranked choice ballot, anticipating questions voters might have when they came to their polling place.
I asked for and was handed a sample ballot, so I could l check it out. Then I received my ballot and voted.
On the day of the primary, I felt prepared to answer voters’ questions about the ballot and was pleasantly surprised that there were so few. The largest impediment to voting was the redistricting of polling places as voters came to what had been their former polling place.
On Election Day, again there was a bit of confusion about polling place locations, but voting itself went smoothly. Poll workers were ready and able to answer questions about ranked choice voting, but it appeared that the voters knew exactly who they wanted to vote for and how they wanted to vote. Very few questions were asked and voting day went smoothly. Incidentally, there were two poll watchers who apparently had no concerns.
Ranked choice voting is easy. We do it every day — no Haagen-Dazs? What about Ben & Jerry’s, or Dreyer’s ice cream? New Balance shoes, Nike or Converse? We know our preferences and select accordingly. Just like in the voting booth.
— Louise Lazur
Anchorage
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