Politics

The Division of Elections is only counting first-place votes this week. It’s likely that the congressional races won’t be decided until second rankings are tallied on Nov. 23.

It’s not enough to know who or what you want to vote for, you also need to know how and where to cast your ballot.

Alaska Division of Elections officials say they have a solid system of checks and balances in place that have long proved that state elections are fair, honest and secure.

Federal observers found several problems at rural Alaska polling places in the August election that attorneys say could disenfranchise minority voters and constitute violations of the Voting Rights Act.

Two resolutions brought before the Alaska Federation of Natives during this year’s annual convention called for efforts to reduce salmon bycatch for fish that return to the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers. Both measures passed, but some abstained from voting.

After the colors were presented Thursday at the Dena'ina Center, five Indigenous women were met with a standing ovation as they exited the hall.

“I'm uplifted in this moment because of you,” said Rep. Mary Peltola, wearing the late Rep. Don Young's signature bolo tie — a gift from his daughter Joni, presented on-stage.

Bethel City Council elected a new mayor on Oct. 17. Rose “Sugar” Henderson expects to be sworn-in at the Oct. 25 meeting.

The amnesty program aims to bring business owners who haven't been paying city sales tax into compliance. The new finance director estimates that the city is only getting sales tax revenue from about a fifth of businesses.

The council will no longer be able to require that people wear masks in public. The ballot measure passed by only 22 votes.