Voting booths set up at the Chilkat Center in Haines. (Emily Files)
Area voters can weigh in on the crowded races for Alaska’s U.S. House and Senate seats during the primary election tomorrow.
Candidates who receive the most votes in the primary go on to the general election in November.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski is facing challengers from the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian and Independent parties.
Republican Representative Don Young is also being challenged by a number of candidates from multiple parties.
State Representative Sam Kito III appears on the primary ballot, but he is running uncontested.
Democrat and Libertarian candidates are listed on the same ballot. Republican candidates are listed on the other.
Alaska’s Democratic and Republican parties have different rules for who can vote on their ballots in primaries. The Democratic Party allows any registered voter. The Republican Party allows registered Republicans, non-partisan, and undeclared voters. Each person can only fill out one ballot.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Haines residents can vote at the Chilkat Center, Upper Valley voters at the Klehini Valley Fire Department, Klukwan residents at the ANS Hall and Skagway voters at city hall.
The Democratic/Libertarian/Independent sample ballot. (Emily Files)
The Republican sample ballot. (Emily Files)
It will be important to send Sen. Murkowski back to the Senate to protect Alaska’s interests as the Chairwoman of the Senate Energy Committee. Her powerful position will be so important for Alaska during these uncertain fiscal and economic times.