Election 2018

Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, right, speaks with Marilyn Orr during a “town-hall-style coffee and conversation” at 60 Degrees North Coffee and Tea on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. Galvin is running against Republican incumbent Rep. Don Young. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

US House candidate Galvin to host Juneau town hall

Alyse Galvin, the independent candidate for Alaska’s sole U.S. House of Representatives seat, has announced a town hall meeting to take place in Juneau. The… Continue reading

Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, right, speaks with Marilyn Orr during a “town-hall-style coffee and conversation” at 60 Degrees North Coffee and Tea on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. Galvin is running against Republican incumbent Rep. Don Young. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Don Etheridge, running as an independent for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Independent seeks to replace Dennis Egan in Alaska Senate

Don Etheridge woke up in the middle of the night with a sinking feeling. He didn’t know what was wrong, but after tossing and turning… Continue reading

Don Etheridge, running as an independent for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The owner of the Mendenhall Tower Apartments, top center has made a large donation to an independent expenditure group supporting Mark Begich’s campaign for governor. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Owner of Mendenhall Tower backs Begich

The owner of the Mendenhall Tower Apartments is backing Begich.

The owner of the Mendenhall Tower Apartments, top center has made a large donation to an independent expenditure group supporting Mark Begich’s campaign for governor. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, and Don Young, Republican incumbent candidate for U.S. House, are seen in a composite image using photographs submitted by their campaigns. (Composite image)

Galvin is beating Rep. Young in fundraising

If Galvin were to defeat Young, it would be a colossal upset.

Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, and Don Young, Republican incumbent candidate for U.S. House, are seen in a composite image using photographs submitted by their campaigns. (Composite image)
Chum salmon are loaded into a tote at Alaska Glacier Seafoods in this Juneau Empire file photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

U.S. lawmakers line up against salmon measure

Alaska’s congressional delegation spoke up about state politics on Saturday, urging Alaskans to vote against a controversial salmon habitat protection measure up for a vote… Continue reading

Chum salmon are loaded into a tote at Alaska Glacier Seafoods in this Juneau Empire file photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
In this screenshot taken from a video broadcast by the Alaska Legislature, state lawmakers gather in Anchorage to discuss crime and criminal justice reform on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (Screenshot)

Lawmakers consider crime in runup to November election

Lawmakers and Alaskans frustrated by rising crime rates gathered in Anchorage Saturday for an extended forum to vent their frustrations with Alaska’s criminal justice system.… Continue reading

In this screenshot taken from a video broadcast by the Alaska Legislature, state lawmakers gather in Anchorage to discuss crime and criminal justice reform on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (Screenshot)
In this Empire file photo from May 2018, children play with then-Principal of Riverbend Elementary School Michelle Byer at Dimond Park Field House. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Election events draw families, kids

Update: The hours have changed for early voting at the Mendenhall Mall Annex for the statewide election on Nov. 6. Starting Oct. 22, early voting… Continue reading

In this Empire file photo from May 2018, children play with then-Principal of Riverbend Elementary School Michelle Byer at Dimond Park Field House. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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: Dunleavy’s voting record

Opinion: Dunleavy’s voting record

The governor’s race should be decided on facts, not misleading campaign ads. You deserve the truth. That’s different than what the slick ads paid for… Continue reading

Opinion: Dunleavy’s voting record
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)

Juneau candidates share views on legal abortion

Most say they are in favor of state abortion rights if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

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)
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
Best Pictures of the Week

Best Pictures of the Week

Best Pictures of the Week by Staff Photographer Michael Penn Contact staff photographer Michael Penn at 523-2262 and mpenn@juneauempire.com.… Continue reading

Best Pictures of the Week
Stephanie Quinn-Davidson, left, of Yes for Salmon, holds up what she says is habitat protection regulation as she debates the merits of Ballot Measure 1 with Kim Reitmeier, representing Stand for Alaska, during a Get Out the Native Vote Southeast forum at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Salmon ballot measure splits Native tribal, corporate interests

Alaska Native organizations are divided in their stances on this fall’s Stand for Salmon ballot measure.

Stephanie Quinn-Davidson, left, of Yes for Salmon, holds up what she says is habitat protection regulation as she debates the merits of Ballot Measure 1 with Kim Reitmeier, representing Stand for Alaska, during a Get Out the Native Vote Southeast forum at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Beth Weldon and supports react to a lead in the polls as results came in live at Election Central at City Hall on Oct. 2, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Unofficial results of the 2018 Municipal Election

Unofficial results of the 2018 City and Borough of Juneau Municipal Election.

Beth Weldon and supports react to a lead in the polls as results came in live at Election Central at City Hall on Oct. 2, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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. Polls and financial disclosure forms show Dunleavy with a significant lead in the four-way governor’s race. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy leads Alaska’s four-way governor race

Republican Mike Dunleavy has a significant lead in financial and popular support with less than one month remaining in Alaska’s four-way governor race, according to… Continue reading

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. Polls and financial disclosure forms show Dunleavy with a significant lead in the four-way governor’s race. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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)
Opinion: Alaska’s salmon future starts in our lakes and streams

Opinion: Alaska’s salmon future starts in our lakes and streams

Salmon start their lives in easily overlooked places like this.

Opinion: Alaska’s salmon future starts in our lakes and streams
Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: The basic requirements

Our local government most directly impacts your daily lives in Juneau.

Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, left, speaks with Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, before a Senate Finance Committee meeting in 2014. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Mike Dunleavy for governor

In 1994 my wife and I made a decision to seek a path to U.S. citizenship through a unique opportunity with the U.S. Department of… Continue reading

Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, left, speaks with Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, before a Senate Finance Committee meeting in 2014. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)