Currently scheduled for the November 8, 2022, General Election is Ballot Measure No. 1 – Constitutional Convention Question. Ballot Measure No. 1 asks one simple question “Shall there be a constitutional convention?”
What is the Alaska State Constitutional Convention?
The Alaska State Constitutional Convention is when a group of elected individuals gather to amend the governing document for a state, Alaska’s State Constitution. Alaska’s first constitutional convention was in 1955-1956. The document was written by 55 delegates and was adopted after a vote by the general public. Though Alaska’s Constitution has been amended 28 times since it was originally written, there has not been another constitutional convention.
The state Legislature may call a constitutional convention at any time. However, if one has not been called in 10 years, the Lt. Governor is required to put before voters the ballot question: “Shall there be a constitutional convention?” The question will appear on the November 8, 2022, as Ballot Measure No. 1.
AFN Opposition
The AFN Legislative and Litigation Committee voted to oppose Ballot Measure No. 1. The AFN Legislative and Litigation Committee can take action on issues, such as a constitutional convention on behalf of the full AFN Board of Directors.
AFN believes that a Constitutional Convention currently is unnecessary, expensive, and dangerous. A Constitution Convention would open our States Constitution for revision on a wide range of critical issues and pose risks to tribal/Alaska Native interests that are embedded in the Constitution with the likelihood of delegates with views that are antagonistic to those interests. The risks outweigh the rewards.
AFN Resolution 22-22
At the 2022 AFN Convention, delegates voted to pass Resolution 22-22: Defend Alaska’s State Constitution and Native Rights asking voters to oppose Ballot Measure No. 1. Here is the full resolution.
AFN highly encourages our members to review Ballot Measure No 1., to determine the potential risks to your communities, and to oppose a constitutional convention.