Letters to the Editor

Letter: Poll taxes

The ADN recently published an article concerning the election for the head of the Republican Party of Alaska. This is a leadership that directly influences candidates under their sponsorship and funding for candidates endorsed by them.

The article stated that a fee of $365 was required to attend the Alaska GOP conference and vote for one of the four candidates to lead the party. How that barrier affects true “one person, one vote” principles is unknown but raises questions about the ability of this party (or, if the Democrats have a similar financial barrier, any party) to fully vet all candidates and promote individuals to fully represent Alaska’s diversity and cultural values. The British effectively limited participation through poll taxes.

— Jack Darryl Simmonds

Anchorage

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