Public hearings on election code changes begin tonight

In October, AO 2021-110, an ordinance amending Title 28, Elections, was introduced and has been set for two public hearings — the first happens at this evening's Assembly meeting.

According to a press release issued by the Municipal Clerks Office, the ordinance proposes a limited number of changes to assist voters and make election processing more efficient, including:

• Clarifying language to address voter confusion;
• Adding a fourth state condition code to the list of voters who are not automatically mailed a ballot package, saving municipal tax dollars;
• Setting the same standards for a voter assistant as for a special needs representative;
• Revising and clarifying elements of the observer program;
• Reorganizing certain sections for clarity and removing redundant language;
• Making the rules for counting write-in votes more clear and specific.

Interestingly, today's press release appears to take aim at false information being spread about the proposed changes to Title 28 by members of the pro-Bronson Save Anchorage Facebook group who have alleged in recent days that the Assembly is attempting to "steal elections again."

The press release notes that with respect to the observer program, the ordinance does not change the number of observers allowed or the times when observers are authorized to observe election activities.

"The proposed ordinance does not change the requirements for observer training, the reasons why an observer may be asked to leave an election location, or the MOA Election Team’s commitment to ensuring that observers understand the election process and showing them all aspects of that process," the press release states.

So, that's that! You can read the full press release below.