SPECIAL ELECTION

Alaskans are asked to go to the polls on April 3 for a special “advisory” vote, not a binding vote, to say whether or not the people of Alaska would like the legislature to draft a constitutional amendment to “prohibit employment benefits to state, municipal, or other subdivisions of the state from providing employment benefits to same-sex partners of public employees and to same-sex partners of public employee retirees?” Other subdivisions includes schools. This special advisory election will cost the state $1.2 million dollars and voter turnout is expected to be very low considering the non-binding nature of the question and that there are no other issues or positions on the ballot.

A statement from the League of Women’s Voters (Reprinted from the Nenana Messenger)

"As the April 3, 2007 advisory vote on the possibility of a future constitutional amendment approaches, the League of Women Voters of Alaska finds itself in an awkward position. Our mission as an organization is to encourage informed and active participation in government – we’re all about voting.

How could we possible be troubled or concerned about one more opportunity to cast a vote? But we are. Our state constitution clearly spells out the amendment process. The drafters of our constitution purposely chose a two-step amendment process, beginning with a proposal from a deliberative body (the legislature). Only after the legislators have deliberated, debated, and formally approved an amendment do the people vote.

The April 3 advisory vote turns this constitutional process on its head. Citizens are being asked to vote their opinion or hunch or best guess on what the legislature could or should or might do in the future. Indeed, we are being asked to vote before we know what we are voting on. For example, the language of the advisory vote differs very substantially from the related bill pending in the legislature. Furthermore, our legislators can choose to interpret the advisory vote outcome any way they wish while claiming that they are simply following the command of the people.

Our legislators are avoiding their constitutional duty at considerable financial cost to the state, and with considerable disrespect for the constitution and voters of the state, apparently only for the purpose of obtaining some political cover.

Should you vote on April 3? As the League of Women Voters, we are always in favor of voting. But this special election has sorely tested our convictions and resolve. Bottom line? The $1.2 million has been spent and the polls will be open from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening. So we recommend going to your polling place on April 3 and casting a “no” vote as a way of sending a message – no more advisory votes!"

Katherine Gouyton, President League of Women Voters of Alaska.