Anchorage, AK: The Alaska Federation of Natives announced today the release of its 2014 Voting Guide. The guide includes a comprehensive questionnaire for the two leading gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates. The 28-page document will be printed and distributed to AFN delegates attending next week’s AFN Convention in Anchorage and available on the AFN website for download.
“Our goal in issuing this guide is to help ensure that Alaska Native voters are well-informed on Election Day,” said AFN President Julie Kitka. “Informed voters will make the right decisions in the voting booth for family, village, community, state and nation.”
The extensive questionnaire focuses on Native and rural issues, from economic development to education to food security. There are also questions and answers on public safety, health and wellness, energy, and climate change. A voting rights fact sheet and State of Alaska Division of Elections contact information are also included.
“The AFN Voting Guide not only gives voters an in-depth look at these key candidates, but also will provide readers the pulse of the statewide Native community – what concerns us in this election year,” Kitka said.
AFN will conduct a live candidates forum during the Convention, on Friday, October 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Candidates for U.S. Senate, Alaska Governor and Alaska Lt. Governor will respond to questions from a panel. The proceedings will be broadcast live on statewide television (GCI Cable, ARCS, and 360 North) and livestreamed at www.nativefederation.org.
“We gratefully acknowledge the work of the AFN Media & Election Committee and AFN staff for their work on querying the candidates and publishing this
voting guide,” Kitka added. “On behalf of the AFN Board and membership, I urge all Alaskans to get out and vote on November 4.”