NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGES ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS

IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

The Division of Elections proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 6, Chapter 25 of the Alaska Administrative Code, dealing with administration of elections, including the following:

1. 6 AAC 25.010(d) is proposed to be changed as follows: amend the regulation to remove a dated reference regarding the Guide for Poll Watchers.

2. 6 AAC 25.025(d) is proposed to be changed as follows: amend the regulation to remove a dated reference regarding the Registrar Handbook.

3. 6 AAC 25.027(c) is proposed to be changed as follows: amend the regulation to remove the proof of residency documentation for those that submit registrations on behalf of a voter.

4. 6 AAC 25.027(d) is proposed to be repealed. The intended effect of this repeal is to free up the process for newer voter registration capabilities like online voter registration, applications delivered by email or automatic voter registration.

5. 6 AAC 25.027(e) is proposed to be repealed. The intended effect of this repeal is to free up the process for newer voter registration capabilities like online voter registration, applications delivered by email or automatic voter registration.

6. 6 AAC 25.027(h) is proposed to be changed as follows: documentation will be scanned and saved in the voters file; the division no longer uses microfilm.

7. 6 AAC 25.027(i) is proposed to be repealed. The intended effect of this repeal is to free up the process for newer voter registration capabilities like online voter registration, applications delivered by email or automatic voter registration.

8. 6 AAC 25.212 is proposed to be changed as follows: repealed and readopted to include more information as to how a candidate’s name may appear on the ballot.

9. 6 AAC 25.240(l) is proposed to be repealed. The intended effect of this repeal is to remove language that dictates which election is used for determining the number of required signatures is required for a petition to be filed.

10. 6 AAC 25.670 is proposed to be changed as follows: adds language to clarify that this process is for federal write-in absentee ballots.

11. 6 AAC 25.720 is a proposed new section to Title 6, Chapter 25 to include information regarding deadlines for candidates to submit material for the official election pamphlet so they can be translated into Alaska Native languages.  

    You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to Brian Jackson, PO Box 110017, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0017. Additionally, the Division of Elections will accept comments by facsimile at 907-465-3203 and by electronic mail at elections@alaska.gov. Comments may also be submitted through the Alaska Online Public Notice System by accessing this notice on the system and using the comment link. The comments must be received not later than 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.

    You may submit written questions relevant to the proposed action to Brian Jackson at brian.jackson@alaska.gov at 240 Main St. Suite 400, Juneau, Alaska 99801. The questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the public comment period. The Division of Elections will aggregate its response to substantially similar questions and make the questions and responses available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and agency website.

    If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact Brian Jackson at brian.jackson@alaska.gov or by calling 907-465-4611 not later than Tuesday, November 28, 2017 to ensure that any necessary accommodation can be provided.

    A copy of the proposed regulation changes is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and by contacting Brian Jackson at brian.jackson@alaska.gov or by telephone, 907-465-4611.  

    After the public comment period ends, the Division of Elections will either adopt the proposed regulation changes or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action. The language of the final regulation may be different from that of the proposed regulation. YOU SHOULD COMMENT DURING THE TIME ALLOWED IF YOUR INTERESTS COULD BE AFFECTED.

    Statutory authority: AS 15.15.010

    Statutes being implemented, interpreted, or made specific: AS 15.05.010; AS 15.05.011;  AS 15.05.020; AS 15.07.030; AS 15.07.050; AS 15.07.060; AS 15.07.070; AS 15.07.081; AS 15.07.100; AS 15.07.140; AS 15.07.195; AS 15.07.200; AS 15.10.170; AS 15.15.010; AS 15.15.030; AS 15.15.110; AS 15.15.160; AS 15.15.170; AS 15.15.225; AS 15.45.090; AS 15.45.100; AS 15.45.120; AS 15.45.130; AS 15.45.140; AS 15.45.245; AS 15.45.320; AS 15.45.330; AS 15.45.350; AS 15.45.360; AS 15.45.370; AS 15.45.400; AS 15.45.465; AS 15.45.560; AS 15.45.570; AS 15.45.590; AS 15.45.600; AS 15.45.610; AS 15.45.640; AS 15.58.030; AS 15.58.090;

    Fiscal information: The proposed regulation changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation.

    Date:   November 2, 2017

    /s/

    Josie Bahnke, Director, Division of Elections