KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Left, a sign directs Bell’s Flats voters to the polling place this morning. Turnout the first two hours saw 33 votes cast.Below, the Fishermen’s Hall polling place, where 44 ballots were cast by 9:30 a.m. The Teen Center has seen 31 voters by that same time. Brianna Gibbs/KMXT photos
It’s primary election day in Alaska. Here in Kodiak there are no contested primary races for either the state house or state senate.
Republican Representative Alan Austerman is running unopposed, not only in today’s primary, but in November’s general election, barring a write-in campaign by a challenger.
Republican Senator Gary Stevens is likewise unopposed in the primary today, as is Democratic senatorial candidate Robert Henrich, a life-long Cordova fisherman. They will meet in the general election.
There are two ballot initiatives on everyone’s ballot today. Measure 1 would increase the maximum residential property exemption allowed by communities. Measure 2 would recreate a Coastal Management Program in the state. Alaska has been without one for a year, and is the only coastal state in the nation without one. It would allow local say in projects, such as resource extraction, in federal lands and waters near the coast.
The polls opened at 7 this morning and will stay open until 8 tonight. Check with the borough clerk’s office if you’re unsure of your local polling place. Election results will be available on the state Division of Elections web site starting at 9 p.m., and APRN will be providing hourly updates tonight as well.
