We cannot afford to go back to the old system, because it doesn’t reflect our values as Alaskans. We decide; parties do not.
Updated: 17 minutes agoLt. Gov. Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson delivered the keynote address during the AFN Convention in the Dena'ina Center on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018.
Many years ago, these same party insiders closed the primaries. I remember being given a ballot that didn’t list all of the candidates I wanted to vote for. I was shocked that my ballot was being chosen for me by people I didn’t even know. It was disappointing, confusing and unfair to so many Alaskans who wanted to support candidates across party lines but couldn’t. We cannot afford to go back to such a system, because it doesn’t reflect our values as Alaskans. We decide; parties do not.
Open primaries also keep elected officials accountable to their voters. Rather than seeking to please party leadership, public officials are evaluated by what they do for Alaska, and for our communities. That’s a good thing, and we can’t afford to lose that focus on what’s good for Alaska.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
OPINION: Attorney general’s silence on Kroger-Albertsons merger is failing AlaskansAlaskans can’t afford for these megacorporations to play Monopoly with our food security.
Read more »
OPINION: How Dunleavy’s veto pen is hurting the most vulnerable AlaskansThe impact of the governor’s veto is tragic and its adverse consequences to Alaskans who need essential civil legal services are completely predictable.
Read more »
OPINION: Don’t underestimate the power of small kindnesses — especially to frugal AlaskansOne department store clerk’s thoughtfulness didn’t completely renew my hope in the world, but it sure helped.
Read more »
OPINION: Dunleavy’s birth control veto makes life harder for AlaskansAutonomy is part of our spirit as Alaskans. That should apply to birth control, too.
Read more »
Opinion: What SF must do to keep streets cleanDistrict 3 supervisor candidate Danny Sauter, a North Beach cleanup organizer for the last eight years, offers officials advice on how to make The City cleaner
Read more »
Alaska GOP pol poses with 'Deadliest Catch' stars in new ad after taking polling leadAlaskans for Nick Begich 'Attack'
Read more »