Bill would give Alaskans freedom to vote for any candidate, regardless of political party

JUNEAU – Today, the House State Affairs Committee isscheduled to hear Democratic legislation (HB 77) to establish a non-partisan primary in Alaska so Alaskans can have the freedom to vote for whomever they want in each election, regardless of their, or the candidate’s, party affiliation. Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), Representative Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage) and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) sponsored the legislation, and Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) is a co-sponsor.

“Voting is a duty and privilege of our democracy, and people should be able to vote for whomever they want in each election,” said Rep. Gruenberg.

House Bill 77 would establish a nonpartisan blanket primary election in Alaska. Under this system, voters could cast their ballots for any candidate running for office in a primary election, and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, would advance to the general election. In Washington state and California, voters created a non-partisan primary by initiative. This bill is based on the Washington primary process.

“For over a decade, Alaskans have been frustrated by Alaska’s partisan primary process,” said Rep. Cissna. “It’s time for the state to create a system that gives Alaskans the freedom to choose candidates based on character, not party.”

“Alaskans want to vote for the best candidate, regardless of political party,” said Rep. Kawasaki. “This bill keeps political parties from getting in the voters’ way.”

“I have a lot of people calling me on primary election day wondering why the state can’t go back to the old system,” said Rep. Petersen. “The people of Alaska should be able to vote for whomever they want in a primary election.”

Source: House Democratic Caucus