The timing is apt for Gov. Bill Walker to sign a voter registration bill.

Walker signed Senate Bill 9 on Friday, almost immediately preceding the observance of Monday’s Memorial Day, which was established to remember the members of the armed services who died in action.

These servicemen and women volunteered to fight for the freedoms held dear in Alaska and the nation. One of the freedoms is the choice of whether to participate in the nation’s democratic voting system.

SB 9 was written to improve the integrity of Alaska’s voter registration lists and define what a political party may submit to be included in the state’s official election pamphlet.

The bill allows the state’s Division of Elections to join the Electronic Registration Information Center, a nonprofit organization that assists states with improving the accuracy of the nation’s voter rolls and increases voter registration, according to the governor.

ERIC is an interstate data exchange that allows for more timely removal of voters registering in another member state, the governor’s press release states. It will reduce the number of individuals able to vote in multiple states, increase voter registration, and ensure accurate voter registration rolls are maintained.

The bill also seeks to limit political party advocacy in the state’s election pamphlet.

Alaska is the 18th state to join ERIC.

The Legislature, led by the bill’s sponsor Sen. Peter Micciche of Soldotna, did well with this bill. It’s a public service. It also honors veterans and what they fought for as a bonus.

— Ketchikan Daily News,

May 31