Anchorage Election Commission Meeting – September 17, 2026

The Anchorage Election Commission met on September 17, 2026 to approve prior meeting minutes, receive disclosures, and discuss proposed amendments to the Election Commission manual and Title 28 of the municipal code. Commissioner Lauren Lehman presented edits to the manual, and Assembly Members Sydney Scout and Donald (last name not given) introduced a draft ordinance to revise election procedures, including a proposed nomination petition requirement for candidates. The commission expressed concerns about some provisions, particularly the signature threshold and a section on ballot review standards, and deferred formal advice pending further discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the February 25, April 27, and April 23, 2026 meetings (all approved without objection or with motions and seconds).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public participation was offered; no one was on the phone line.

Discussion Items

• Election Commission Manual Revisions: Commissioner Lauren Lehman presented two versions of the manual, highlighting edits to the introductory paragraph emphasizing the importance of local elections, and a correction to the description of prohibited political activity for election officials (aligning with AMC citation). Other minor corrections were noted, including consistent capitalization of "Assembly" and "Municipal Clerk," and a gerund usage fix. Commissioner Ralph DeWare identified technical corrections related to ballot return envelope postmark deadlines and retention of written challenges, referencing code sections. The commission approved the revised manual subject to staff clarification on one citation.
• Title 28 Ordinance Amendments: Assembly Member Sydney Scout and Assembly Member Donald introduced a draft ordinance containing ten sections of changes to election procedures, developed with staff. Key items included:
  • Reducing required newspaper notices and favoring digital ads.
  • Adjusting candidate video streaming requirements after elections.
  • Modifying ballot return envelope review standards and retention periods.
  • Eliminating a liaison requirement for election observers when none are present.
  • Introducing a nomination petition requirement for candidates: 1% of voters in the last municipal election (estimated 56–130 signatures for assembly districts, ~700 for mayor, ~650 for school board) with a proposed cap of 500 signatures. Assembly Member Scout stated the intent was to increase voter engagement and ensure candidate seriousness, not to gatekeep. Commissioner Ralph DeWare and others raised concerns about the high number, suggesting lower thresholds (e.g., 25 for district races, 100 for mayor). Commissioner Lehman noted potential equity impacts and the difficulty for school board candidates running citywide. Assembly Member Scout indicated openness to reducing the number, suggesting 0.01% for citywide races (about 74 signatures) or other adjustments.
  • Section 9 of the ordinance would require the election commission to strictly follow code when reviewing ballots, referencing a past incident where the commission counted a ballot despite the clerk's advice. Several commissioners objected to the language as offensive and unnecessary, arguing it undermines their role as a check and balance. Clerk Jamie explained the provision aims to prevent future conflicts and ensure compliance. The commission discussed deleting the latter sentences but did not take a formal vote.
• Signature Verification Process: Clerk Jamie described a new option for voters to provide a current signature in person to reduce rejection rates due to signature mismatches, noting that no-match is the top reason for ballot rejection. This would be an addition to existing state database signatures, not a replacement.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve the revised Election Commission manual (as amended) passed unanimously. The manual will be finalized with staff clarification on the challenge retention citation.
• No formal recommendation on the Title 28 ordinance was made. Commissioners declined to provide advisory opinions at this time, citing insufficient notice and unresolved concerns, especially regarding the nomination petition number and Section 9 language. The commission requested a future meeting with at least seven days' public notice to further vet the ordinance. Assembly Member Scout indicated she would extend the public hearing until at least October 20, 2026 to allow for a governance committee (formerly rules committee) meeting beforehand.
• The election commission will coordinate with the assembly's governance committee chair to schedule a joint work session and continue the dialogue.