Alaska Elections

In this screenshot from a video stream provided by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Gov. Bill Walker waves to the crowd on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 after announcing that he has suspended his bid for re-election and is supporting the Democratic candidate, Mark Begich. (Screenshot)

Opinion: Elect Mark Begich as governor

I attended the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention on Friday and watched with great sadness as Gov. Bill Walker announced the suspension of his campaign.… Continue reading

In this screenshot from a video stream provided by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Gov. Bill Walker waves to the crowd on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 after announcing that he has suspended his bid for re-election and is supporting the Democratic candidate, Mark Begich. (Screenshot)
In this Sept. 6, 2018 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo | Becky Bohrer File)
In this Sept. 6, 2018 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo | Becky Bohrer File)
Opinion: Finish the ballot

Opinion: Finish the ballot

One of the best-kept secrets of this — or any — Alaska election season is the incredible amount of information that Alaska voters have in… Continue reading

Opinion: Finish the ballot
Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Déjà vu all over again?

The Democratic mantra demonizing Republicans as racist misogynists doesn’t bring us closer — it only divides us further.

Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Empire file.

Opinion: I stand for salmon

Alaska is the last bastion for Pacific salmon.

Juneau Empire file.
Unsplash.com stock image.

Opinion: Vote no on 1

A yes vote is a vote for mob rule.

Unsplash.com stock image.
In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Walker values tribal sovereignty

The Walker-Mallott administration ushered in a new era of tribal-state relations.

In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November

Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November

I’m concerned about the gubernatorial race and the course it may set us on. I know Mike Dunleavy is the tallest and we’re supposed to… Continue reading

Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November
Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics

Compromise is essential for governance; gerrymandering makes that compromise less likely to happen.

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics
Opinion: Walker/Mallott are the only candidates who are honest with the numbers
Opinion: Walker/Mallott are the only candidates who are honest with the numbers
Legislative candidates answer questions during a forum sponsored by the Juneau Empire, along with the League of Women Voters of Juneau, Juneau Votes! and KTOO at KTOO on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. From left: Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan and House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Legislative candidates answer questions during a forum sponsored by the Juneau Empire, along with the League of Women Voters of Juneau, Juneau Votes! and KTOO at KTOO on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. From left: Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan and House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Watch: Candidates Forum Live

Watch: Candidates Forum Live

Tune in at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Watch: Candidates Forum Live
Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality

Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality

Having been in IT for over two decades, I have seen the birth and explosion of the internet. I have run my own website from… Continue reading

Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality
Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Why I’m voting for Chris Dimond

This is my first time voting in a state election.

Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Empire will co-host, moderate legislative forum

The Juneau Empire, along with the League of Women Voters of Juneau, Juneau Votes! and KTOO, is aiming to get local voters ready for the… Continue reading

Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Wade Bryson and Beth Weldon watch a late night count of questioned and absentee ballots in the Assembly chambers on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Wade Bryson and Beth Weldon watch a late night count of questioned and absentee ballots in the Assembly chambers on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau legislative candidates raise their hands to show they are in favor of a second crossing to Douglas Island during a forum at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. From left: House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Candidates talk majorities, Permanent Fund at forum

Legislative hopefuls gathered at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce’s forum Thursday.

Juneau legislative candidates raise their hands to show they are in favor of a second crossing to Douglas Island during a forum at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. From left: House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Veronica Buness, of Kindred Post, tapes up a sign on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, announcing people can register to vote at the Franklin Street business. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Voters can now register at downtown post office

This weekend is the last chance for people to register to vote, and doing so in Juneau just became easier.

Veronica Buness, of Kindred Post, tapes up a sign on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, announcing people can register to vote at the Franklin Street business. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, left, and Gov. Bill Walker pass Mike Dunleavy’s name plate during a Special Native Issues Forum for governor candidates at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Libertarian candidate Billy Toien, out of picture to the left, requested the name plate. Dunleavy did not attend the forum. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Governor candidates critical as Dunleavy misses forum

Tuesday’s gubernatorial forum was almost more about who wasn’t there than it was about who was there.

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, left, and Gov. Bill Walker pass Mike Dunleavy’s name plate during a Special Native Issues Forum for governor candidates at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Libertarian candidate Billy Toien, out of picture to the left, requested the name plate. Dunleavy did not attend the forum. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)