Anchorage Youth Vote on the Ropes
This one isn't funny - it's serious, and the next generation of voters needs our support.
Those who have followed along for the past six years know that from time to time, I opt to highlight a citizen or organization that is going through a difficult time and bring attention to their plight.
Right now, Anchorage Youth Vote needs our attention. After losing a major funding source in 2025, the youth-led civic education program under the umbrella of the League of Women Voters of Anchorage is struggling to stay afloat just as we head into a critical election season.
This program is an essential resource for preparing the next generation of voters. Anchorage Youth Vote equips young Alaskans with the knowledge required to navigate municipal and state elections. They organize non-partisan candidate forums, distribute comprehensive voter toolkits, and help new voters understand the mechanics of casting a ballot. Losing this initiative would deprive Alaska's youth of clear and reliable civic education exactly when they need it most.
Look, the data is already grim. During the 2022 midterm election, voter turnout among Alaskans aged 18 to 29 sat at an abysmal 24 percent. Nationally, youth voter turnout (ages 18 to 29) in 2024 was estimated at 42%. While a definitive percentage for Alaska's 18-to 29-year-old demographic hasn't been widely finalized for 2024 yet, raw data shows only roughly 24,000 Alaskans in that age group cast a ballot.
We know that when young voters are registered and directly engaged, they show up to the polls—but the barrier is getting them through that initial door. We are heading into the 2026 cycle, where an entire new block of Gen Z voters is coming of age, yet current research shows a massive, persistent disconnect, particularly among young people who identify as political independents.
When we allow a localized, peer-led civic education effort like Anchorage Youth Vote to be defunded, we are guaranteeing those turnout numbers stay in the basement.
Supporters have organized a fundraising dinner on Thursday, August 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM to help ensure Anchorage Youth Vote can carry out its mission this election cycle and beyond.
If attending these types of events isn't your groove, you can skip the ticket and simply make a donation on their fundraising page.
