This photo shows a sample ballot for the Aug. 16, 2022, special general election. The election was the debut of ranked choice voting in Alaska. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Keep officials accountable to Alaskans, not party insiders, by voting no on Ballot Measure 2

Alaska’s nonpartisan election system protects every Alaskan’s right to vote for their chosen candidate at every election, regardless of party affiliation

  • Oct 10, 2024
  • By Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson
  • Opinion
This photo shows a sample ballot for the Aug. 16, 2022, special general election. The election was the debut of ranked choice voting in Alaska. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Baisden family dog, Tug, is photographed in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Rhonda Baisden)

Opinion: Ode to a good boy

The reality of saying goodbye hit us like a freight train

Baisden family dog, Tug, is photographed in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Rhonda Baisden)
Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)

Opinion: Why we’re not ranking Vance on the ballot

We will rank the other two candidates

Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)
Kenai Courthouse is photographed on Feb. 26, 2019, in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)

Opinion: Seeking justice for our son

These state troopers need to be held accountable for their actions, and never let this happen again

  • Sep 27, 2024
  • By Matthew and Sharon Tikka
  • Opinion
Kenai Courthouse is photographed on Feb. 26, 2019, in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski talks to supporters during a campaign event at Louie’s Douglas Inn on Oct. 12, 2022.

Opinion: Murkowski must get off the ‘none of the above’ fence

She needs to follow Cheney’s lead and endorse Harris

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski talks to supporters during a campaign event at Louie’s Douglas Inn on Oct. 12, 2022.
This November 2022 file photos shows Alaska Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai explaining the ranked choice tabulation for the 2022 U.S. House race. Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola prevailed over Republican former Gov. Sarah Palin by a final tally of 54.9% to 45.1% after lower-finishing candidates Republican Nick Begich III amd Libertarian Chris Bye were eliminated during the first two rounds of instant choice runoffs. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: Ranked choice voting and open primaries diminish political party control. That’s great for Alaska.

The fact that both private political organizations are opposed to open primaries and RCV should be a red flag for us all

  • Sep 26, 2024
  • By Chris Bye
This November 2022 file photos shows Alaska Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai explaining the ranked choice tabulation for the 2022 U.S. House race. Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola prevailed over Republican former Gov. Sarah Palin by a final tally of 54.9% to 45.1% after lower-finishing candidates Republican Nick Begich III amd Libertarian Chris Bye were eliminated during the first two rounds of instant choice runoffs. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire file)
Voting booths are set up at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

A few votes can make all the difference

Because we are expecting a low voter turnout, your vote carries more weight

Voting booths are set up at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a debate with Rep. Ben Carpenter organized by the District 8 Alaska Republican Party at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: Legislation encourages professional development for teachers

This bill provides incentives to teachers to seek the most rigorous and effective professional development they can.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a debate with Rep. Ben Carpenter organized by the District 8 Alaska Republican Party at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Kenai Safeway is seen on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: AG’s silence on Kroger-Albertsons merger is failing Alaskans

We are concerned for all Alaskan consumers and for Alaska’s food security.

The Kenai Safeway is seen on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Alex Koplin. Photo courtesy of Alex Koplin.

Point of View: The 2020 election was safe and secure

How can so many voters be so misinformed?

Alex Koplin. Photo courtesy of Alex Koplin.
AKPIRG logo. Photo courtesy of AKPIRG

Opinion: With the right regulations, the SAVE Act can unlock energy prosperity in Alaska

Since 2010, only homeowners have been able to invest in and earn monthly bill savings from rooftop solar

  • Sep 6, 2024
  • By Alex Petkanas, Natalie Kiley-Bergen and Philip Wight
  • Point of view
AKPIRG logo. Photo courtesy of AKPIRG
Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Voter tidbit: Get prepared for the Oct. 1 municipal election

Check your voting status or register to vote online

Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Safeway supermarket in Juneau, seen here Oct. 4, 2023, is among those in Alaska scheduled to be sold if its parent company, Albertsons Companies Inc., merges with Kroger Co., the parent company of Fred Meyer. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: Alaska’s attorney general flunks math test

One supermarket owner is less competitive than two, and more competition is good for shoppers

The Safeway supermarket in Juneau, seen here Oct. 4, 2023, is among those in Alaska scheduled to be sold if its parent company, Albertsons Companies Inc., merges with Kroger Co., the parent company of Fred Meyer. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Jenny Carroll (Courtesy)

Opinion: Homer Harbor plays critical role in community, economy

This gateway to Cook Inlet fuels everything from recreation and food security to commercial enterprises

  • Sep 1, 2024
  • By Jenny Carroll
  • Homer
Jenny Carroll (Courtesy)
Library of Congress image
A painting of George Washington at Valley Forge, circa 1911 by Edward Percy Moran.

Opinion: Washington’s selfless example is lost on too many public servants

Biden isn’t the only national politician who struggled emotionally against the currents of aging.

Library of Congress image
A painting of George Washington at Valley Forge, circa 1911 by Edward Percy Moran.
Cindy Harris. (Courtesy)

Support funding for Adult Day services

These services offer a safe place for Alaskans to bring their loved ones

  • Aug 26, 2024
  • By Cindy Harris
Cindy Harris. (Courtesy)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: Permanent Fund troubles make for sad music

Alaskans are fiddling while the Permanent Fund burns

  • Aug 22, 2024
  • By Larry Persily
(Juneau Empire file photo)
Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Voter tidbit: 2 election stories highlight voting challenges in rural Alaska

The state needs to make voting in rural areas more accommodating

Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
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Point of View: There is nothing to like about Project 2025

Project 2025 - Presidential Transition Project’s intent is radical

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Signage marks the entrance to Nikiski Middle/High School on Monday, May 16, 2022, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: How our schools have lost touch with Alaskans

Off-road vehicles are a way of life for Nikiski residents

  • Aug 15, 2024
  • By Misty Peterkin
Signage marks the entrance to Nikiski Middle/High School on Monday, May 16, 2022, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)