Elections

Election News

CBJ Election Official Final Results Certified 10/15/2024

CBJ Ballot Processing Center

For Immediate Release
October 15, 2024, 5:30p.m.

CBJ October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election Final Results
Certified by Election Official after Completion of Canvass Review Board.

The Canvass Review Board has completed its work on the October 1, 2024 CBJ Regular Municipal Election and the Election Official has now certified the final results. The Canvass Review Board began work on Monday, October 14 and completed its review on Tuesday, October 15. Official results are attached and posted to the CBJ Elections webpage at https://juneau.org/clerk/elections.

The Assembly and School Board races saw the following candidates elected:

Mayor: Beth Weldon was elected to her final three-year term;
District 1 Assemblymember: Neil Steininger was elected to a three-year term;
District 2 Assemblymember: Maureen Hall was elected to a three-year term; and
School Board members: Elizabeth (Ebett) Siddon, Will Muldoon, and Amber Frommherz were all re-elected to three-year terms.

Proposition 1 to issue $12,500,000 in General Obligation Bonds for the acquisition and installation of public safety radio communication systems passed with 6205 YES Votes and 4457 NO Votes.

Proposition 2, a citizen’s initiative petition, prohibiting cruise ships of 250 or more passengers from docking or disembarking passengers on Saturdays and the 4th of July, failed to pass with 4196 YES Votes and 6575 NO Votes.

Proposition 3 to issue $10,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds for improving wastewater utility infrastructure at the Juneau Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant passed with 7000 YES Votes and 3565 NO Votes.

Also […]

Election News Archive

City Hall Ballot Drop Box

2024 Regular Municipal Election (Oct. 1, 2024)

10/1/2024 Regular Municipal Election

FINAL RESULTS as Certified by the Canvass Review Board & Election Official on October 15, 2024 (Published 10/15/2024 @ 5:20p.m.)
Certificate of Oct. 1, 2024 CBJ Regular Municipal Election & Summary Results
Statement of Votes Cast – Final Results

Thursday, 10/10/2024 Updated Unofficial Summary Results (Published 10/10/2024 1:45p.m)

Thursday, 10/10/2024 Updated Statement of Votes Cast – Unofficial Results (Published 10/10/2024 1:45p.m)

Friday, 10/4/2024 Updated Unofficial Summary Results (Published 10/4/2024 6:30p.m.)

Friday, 10/4/2024 Updated Statement of Votes Cast – Unofficial Results (Published 10/1/2024 6:30p.m.)

Election Night – Preliminary Unofficial Summary Results (Published 10/1/2024-10:00p.m.)

Election Night – Statement of Votes Cast – Preliminary Unofficial Results (Published 10/1/2024-10:00p.m.)

Notice of Election (published 8/26/2024)

Sample Ballot

List of Certified Candidates (including profiles)

October 1, 2024 Quick Reference Dates – Working Document (Updated 8/27/2024, subject to change)

The CBJ Regular Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday October 1, 2024. Ballots were mailed to voters on Thursday, September 12.

The last day to register to vote or update your address for this election was September 1, 2024. Ballots were mailed out on September 12 to the mailing address on file with the State of Alaska Division of Elections. You can check the status of your voter registration address here: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/voter-information/#Reg

Options if you are out of town September 12 – October 1:

Temporary Address Application. We will mail your ballot to a different address. The deadline to submit this application was Tuesday, September 24. Since it is now past that deadline, the remaining option to obtain a ballot for out of town voting is the Eballot/Fax Application below. Return ballots must be postmarked by October 1, 2024 and received by October 14.

Eballot/Fax Application. Upon receipt of a completed Eballot/Fax application, we will email or fax you a ballot. You need to print the application form, complete and sign it and return it via fax to 907-586-4550 or via email to [email protected].  Once you receive your ballot packet via email or fax, you must print out the ballot to mark it and sign the voter certification. We cannot accept digitally altered ballots or electroniclly generated signatures. The last day to submit this application is Monday, September 30 at 5:00pm AKST. Ballots returned by email/fax must arrive before 8:00pm on Election Night, October 1. Ballots mailed back must be postmarked by October 1 and received by October 14.

Returning you ballot (dates, times, locations)
Ballots were mailed to voters on Thursday, September 12. Voters have multiple options to return their ballots between September 12 to October 1.

By Mail: Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, October 1, 2024 and received before election certification to count. If returning your ballot via USPS, a first class stamp is required and we recommend checking that the ballot envelope received a legible postmark.

Ballot Drop Box: Ballot drop boxes are available 24/7 starting September 13, 2024 to 8:00pm on Election Day, October 1, 2024. They are located at:

  • Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AEL&P) – 5601 Tonsgard Ct, Lemon Creek
  • City Hall – Corner near Marine Way and Shattuck Way – 155 Heritage Way, Downtown
  • Douglas Library/Fire Hall Community Building – 1016 3rd Street, Douglas
  • Mendenhall Valley Public Library – 3025 Dimond Park, Valley
  • Statter Harbor Boat Launch Parking (not the Harbor Office parking lot) – 11801 Glacier Highway, Auke Bay

Vote Center: Vote Centers are open to people who need assistance, require an ADA accessible ballot, did not receive a ballot in the mail, or prefer to vote in person.

City Hall Assembly Chambers, 155 Heritage Way, Downtown
Starting Monday, September 16:
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Open Election Day, Tuesday, October 1, 7:00am – 8:00pm

Mendenhall Valley Public Library, 3025 Dimond Park, Mendenhall Valley
Starting Monday, September 16:
Open Monday through Thursday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Open Friday and Saturday, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Open Election Day, Tuesday, October 1, 7:00am – 8:00pm

Election FAQ

What does it mean that this is a “By Mail” Election?
Voting “By Mail” is a ballot delivery system where ballots are mailed to Juneau eligible voters at their mailing address and voters can vote from the convenience of their home. Vote By Mail systems contrast to poll-based voting, where ballots are distributed to various polling locations. Ballots for the 2024 Regular Municipal Election are scheduled to be mailed out on September 12, 2024. Voters have many options for returning their mailed ballots during the 2-week period through Election Day, October 1, including:

  • Voters may return their ballot by placing them in a secure drop box
  • Voters may return their ballot to one of two Juneau Vote Centers
  • Voters may return their ballot by mail through the U.S. Postal Service using first class postage

Can I vote in person?
Yes. You may vote in person at one of two Vote Centers.

Unlike the State of Alaska Division of Elections, local CBJ Elections are not conducted at polling precinct locations on Election Day.

In all cases, marked ballots are placed in a ballot return envelope and a secure ballot box for processing at the Thane Ballot Processing Center. Traditional precinct polling locations are not open and are not an option for voting on Election Day.

What are the policies and procedures used by Election Officials to conduct a By Mail Election?
The Election Policies and Procedures (P&P) are all based on CBJ Code 29.07. 

The full Policies and Procedures (P&P) with all its appendices, takes up a 2 inch 3-ring binder and it is available to view in person at the Thane Ballot Processing Center. The public is welcome to come out and observe the Election Teams working at the Thane Ballot Processing Center (BPC) located at 1325 Eastaugh Way, Monday through Friday 10am-4pm.  Depending on the workload, additional election worker teams and shifts may be added as we get closer to Election Day (10/1) and review by the Canvass Review Board 10/14-15.

Candidates and campaign groups, officially registered with APOC, have an opportunity to assign observers to each voting location. All observers are required to contact the Election Official and complete a training in advance of becoming a registered observer. Complete details are available in the Observer Handbook.

I’m out of town during the entire election time. What are my options?
We had two options to either receive a ballot by postal mail at a temporary address or apply to receive an e-ballot by fax or email.

Postal mail to a temporary address: The last day to apply to receive your ballot at a temporary address was Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Ballots returned through the mail must be legibly postmarked no later than Election Day, October 1, 2024 and received by the Clerk’s Office no later than the beginning of the Canvass Review Board process on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Eballot/Fax Application. Upon receipt of a completed Eballot/Fax application, we will email or fax you a ballot. You need to print the application form, complete and sign it and return it via fax to 907-586-4550 or via email to [email protected]. Applications for fax/Eballot must be received by the Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. AKST Monday, September 30, 2024. Ballots returned by fax or email must arrive by 8:00 p.m. AKST on Election Day, Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The Eballot process does require the ability to print off the eballot package your receive and the certification must be signed by the voter before being returned to CBJ (electronically or physically in the mail.) Digital signatures or marked ballots will not be accepted.

I need accommodations to vote. What are my options?
ADA and HAVA (Help America Vote Act)-compliant voting machines are available at Vote Centers from September 16 through Election Day, October 1. These machines allow users to vote with an audio ballot, tactile interface, or sip-and-puff and are available to all registered voters.

If you did not receive a ballot in the mail and are unable to vote in person due to age, illness, or disability a personal representative may pick up and deliver a ballot for you (called “Special Needs Voting”). Your personal representative can assist you in any step of the voting process and can be anyone except for candidates, the registered sponsor of a ballot initiative, your employer, agents of your employer, or officers or an agent of your union. Special Needs Voting ballots are available starting Monday, September 16 at both Vote Centers and must be returned by 8:00 p.m. AKST on Election Day, October 1.

Can someone come and watch the ballot review process?
Yes, KTOO Radio has put together this video showcasing the process at the Thane Ballot Processing Center. Members of the public are welcome to come and watch the ballot review process in person at the Thane Ballot Processing Center located at 1325 Eastaugh Way (behind the tour buses). Election staff will be present Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and there may be some additional hours on days like Election Day and others as the workloads require.

Do I have to pay postage to return my ballot?
If you are returning your ballot through USPS you need to pay first class postage. You may also choose to return your ballot in a secure drop box, and if so, you do not need to add postage.

How often are the ballot drop boxes emptied and what security is provided?
Ballot drop boxes are emptied once per day and twice on Election Day by trained election workers working in teams of two at all times. Ballots collected from the drop boxes are deposited into ballot bags which are then locked with uniquely numbered security seals. The secure ballot bags are transported immediately to the CBJ Ballot Processing Center just off of Thane Road. Ballot bag handling is tracked at all times with documentation known as a chain of custody.

What if I make a mistake while marking my ballot?
The ballot packet contains instructions about how to correct mistakes while marking your ballot. If you make a mistake on your ballot, you can request a replacement ballot from the Vote Center or you can correct it by striking through the oval and the candidate’s name or proposition answer that you do not want to vote for and filling in the oval beside the candidate or proposition you do wish to vote for write next to it “Valid vote for Candidate Name” or “Valid vote for “(Yes or No)” on Prop 1.”

I’ve already mailed my ballot or dropped it off in the drop box, is there anything I can do to change my vote now?
Once you’ve turned in or mailed your ballot, it is considered cast and it cannot be re-voted. If you have already mailed in or deposited your ballot at one of the drop boxes or vote centers, we cannot issue you a replacement ballot.

What happens if someone requests a “replacement” ballot and tries to vote twice?
Ballot envelopes are assigned a unique barcode for each individual voter. Upon return, only one ballot envelope from any voter is accepted – the first one in. Others are rejected. Voting more than once in the same election, with the intent that your vote be counted more than once, is voter misconduct in the first degree under Alaska Statutes 15.56.040. Voter misconduct in the first degree is a class C felony.

What happens if someone intercepts my mail and votes my ballot?
As noted above, each individual voter is assigned a unique bar code/number for each CBJ election. Your return ballot envelope will have your name and unique bar code pre-printed on it. When voting a ballot, you will be required to sign the Voter Certification and place a personal identifier (Date of Birth, AKDL, Voter ID#, or last 4 digits of SSN) on the return ballot envelope.

If you are casting your ballot at a Vote Center, you will be asked to show ID to verify your identity.

If the ballot is returned via mail or drop box, your signature on the return ballot envelope is compared to your signatures on file with the State of Alaska – e.g. your registration document, prior election materials, motor vehicle transactions, PFD application, etc.

Election officials who adjudicate signatures are trained with techniques used to identify matches and forgeries. If two trained election officials agree that the signature doesn’t match, you will be contacted by mail and provided an opportunity to cure the discrepancy.

If I moved and forgot to update my voter registration, will my ballot be mailed to my old address and will someone else be able to vote it?
Your ballot is not forwarded to your new address, but each signature on a returned ballot envelope is reviewed by two trained election officials to ensure that your ballot isn’t voted by another person. If you move, forgot to update your voter registration, and didn’t receive your ballot in the mail, you can call 907-586-5278 for assistance. We recommend you go to a Juneau Vote Center to vote a questioned by-mail ballot package in person. You will be required to provide identification and a signature so we can verify your identity.  By voting a questioned ballot at a Vote Center, this also serves as a means to update your address on file with the State of Alaska Division of Elections.

What should I do if I receive someone else’s ballot?
If you receive a ballot that is not addressed to you or anyone in your household, cross out the address listed on the ballot and write “NOT AT THIS ADDRESS, RETURN TO SENDER”. Do not open the ballot. Place the unopened ballot back in the mail as a “Return to Sender”. This is the first step in updating the voter registration list. Those voters can still vote a questioned ballot in person or request a ballot to a temporary address. Thanks for helping the State of Alaska Division of Elections update the voter registration list!

What if I moved out of Juneau and forgot to update or cancel my voter registration?
You will need to cancel your voter registration through the State of Alaska Division of Elections, they oversee the voter rolls. https://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/cancelyouralaskavoterregistration.php or call the Division of Elections at 907-465-3021 or toll-free: 1-866-948-8683.

How do I know that my ballot will remain secret since I have to put my signature and personal identifier on the return ballot envelope?
The by mail election process requires us to issue a return ballot envelope that has your name and a unique bar code on it so we can make sure that everyone only votes once.  When you vote your ballot, you place that ballot into the secrecy sleeve which is then enclosed in your return ballot envelope. If a ballot without the signature envelope is returned it is not eligible for counting and will be rejected.

Once we receive your return ballot envelope with the secrecy sleeve and ballot inside, we scan the return ballot envelope to ensure no other ballot issued under that name and bar code has been received and processed. It then goes through a voter eligibility/signature review process and is forwarded to a 3 person team who open and remove the ballots from the return ballot envelope. The 3 person Opening/Counting Team sits around a square table and uses the following methods to ensure the privacy/secret ballot for all voters:

  • Team members count and double count each sealed ballot return envelope in a batch to ensure it matches the total number of returned envelopes processed in each batch;
  • Team members then slice open the return ballot envelopes in preparation for opening and ballot removal;
  • Team member 1 places all return ballot envelopes on the table with the names/signatures face down so the election workers are only looking at the side of the envelope that has the CBJ P.O. Box Mailing Address on it;
  • Team member 1 then removes the secrecy sleeve with ballot enclosed from the return ballot envelope and hands the secrecy sleeve with enclosed ballot to Team member 2; Team member 1 places the empty return ballot envelope in a stack with the PO Box address side-up;
  • Team member 2 removes the folded ballot from the secrecy sleeve and passes the folded ballot to Team member 3; Team member 2 places the empty secrecy sleeves into a stack on the table away from Team member 3;
  • Team member 3 unfolds the ballots and places them in a bin in the middle of the table;
  • After confirming the number of ballots match the number of envelopes, the tray is placed in a secure cage ready for the ballot scanning/tabulation/adjudication steps that will take place on Election Day through certification of the election.

I received a letter saying that there was something wrong with my ballot – how do I fix it so my ballot will be counted?
After we receive your ballot, a signature/identification process takes place in accordance with CBJ Elections Code 29.07.150. During that process, if a signature or personal identifier is missing or doesn’t match that on file with CBJ Elections or the State of Alaska Division of Elections, you will receive a “CURE LETTER” identifing what needs fixing before we can approve your ballot for counting. There are a variety of possible reasons for receiving a cure letter and the appropriate box will be checked on your letter as to the steps needed to “CURE” your ballot’s particular issue. Please follow the instructions and contact our Ballot Processing Center at 907-586-5278 option 4 if you have any questions.

When will election results be available?
Ballot adjudication will take place on Election Day after the close of the Vote Centers and Drop Boxes at 8:00p.m. It is likely that the Preliminary “Unofficial” results will be posted sometime after 10p.m. on Election Day, October 1. Updated unofficial results will periodically be published on this website prior to and during the review of the returns until the Canvass Review Board and the Election Official certify the election, currently scheduled for Tuesday October 15. Certification of the election may be postponed up to 3 days on a day-to-day basis as necessary.

What votes will be included in the totals reported on Election Night?
The numbers reported on Election Night will include ballot return envelopes that were received before Election Day and have been reviewed and approved for counting. Ballots returned on Election Day will be processed after Election Day and will be reported in updated results in subsequent days.

Why will you be publishing the preliminary results on Election night if they are not final? Do you expect most of the ballots to come in prior to Election Day?
Historically speaking, we have always published preliminary unofficial results on Election Day with additional subsequent results after the absentee and questioned ballots were reviewed and approved and our community has grown to expect those types of results on Election night.  During the 2023 Regular Municipal Election, we received approximately 54% of the returned ballots prior to Election Day with 43% received on Election Day and the remaining 3% were received via USPS between Election Day and the day we certified the election. Ballots received via USPS have to be postmarked with a legible postmark on or before Election Day to be eligible for counting.

Where is the Juneau Ballot Processing Center located?
The City and Borough of Juneau Ballot Processing Center (BPC) is in a grey warehouse located at 1325 Eastaugh Way which is located just off Thane Road, turn onto Mill Street and then turn right onto Estaugh Way. It is in the CBJ warehouse (entrance closest to downtown) on the right side of the street located behind the tour bus parking lot.

When did CBJ first consider By Mail voting?
In 2007, the Assembly changed the Election Code to allow for elections to be conducted by mail.

  • In 2019-2020, the State of Alaska notified local jurisdictions that they would no longer be sharing the precinct polling place election equipment with municipalities so all Alaskan municipalities were required to find alternative solutions for conducting local elections.
  • In 2020, CBJ partnered with the Municipality of Anchorage to conduct the regular election by mail due to the pandemic. Due to its success and increased voter turnout, CBJ decided to conduct the 2021 Regular Municipal Election in the same way.
  • In 2021, the CBJ Assembly appropriated funds for the creation of the new CBJ Ballot Processing Center so that all CBJ election ballot processing could be conducted in Juneau.
  • In 2023, the Assembly directed staff to make all the necessary code changes to make by mail voting the default method for conducting CBJ elections. On May 17 the CBJ Assembly adopted Ordinance 2023-24 An Ordinance Amending The Elections Code Relating to Elections Procedures, which directs the Election Official to conduct all elections by mail, unless otherwise directed by the Assembly.

SAMPLE BALLOT

Below are the candidates and questions that will be appearing on the October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election Ballot. The candidate names will appear on the ballot in the below order based on a randomized drawing. For contact information for the candidates, please see the Certified List of Candidates webpage here.  Candidate profiles will be added to that webpage no later than September 1.

CANDIDATES

Mayor – Vote for No More Than One:

  • Angela Rodell
  • Beth Weldon
  • Write-In_____

District 1 Assembly – Vote for No More Than One:

  • Neil Steininger
  • Connor D. Ulmer
  • Write-In_____

District 2 Assembly – Vote for No More Than One:

  • Nathaniel (Nano) Brooks
  • Dorene Lorenz
  • Emily Mesch
  • Mary Marks
  • Maureen Hall
  • Write-In_____

Board of Education Member – Vote for No More Than Three:

  • Amber Frommherz
  • Jeff Redmond
  • Elizabeth (Ebett) Siddon
  • Jenny Thomas
  • Will Muldoon
  • Michelle Stuart Morgan
  • Write-In_____
  • Write-In_____
  • Write-In_____

PROPOSITIONS

PROPOSITION #1 
Explanation

The proposition will authorize the issuance of $12,750,000 in general obligation bond debt for paying the cost of undertaking certain public safety improvements including acquisition and installation of a replacement radio communication system. The total annual debt service costs, assuming an interest rate of 3.50%, will be approximately $1,539,000. This amount of debt service would require an annual property tax levy of approximately $23.50 per $100,000 of assessed value. This example of a property tax levy is provided for illustrative purposes only.

PROPOSITION #1
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
$12,750,000

To improve public safety by improving communication infrastructure, including, but not limited to, acquisition and installation of a replacement radio communication system that will be Alaska Land Mobile Radio compliant within the City and Borough, shall the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, issue and sell its general obligation bonds, maturing within 10 years of their date of issue, in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $12,750,000?

  • BONDS, YES
  • BONDS, NO

PROPOSITION #2
Initiative Proposition Short Title:  Ship-Free Saturdays

WHEREAS, the Juneau “cruise season” adversely impacts Juneau residents’ health and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the cruise industry has created a Juneau “cruise season” this year, 2024, of 195 days to run from April 9-October 24, and without pause for 142 days, from May 2-September 27; and
WHEREAS, a majority of Juneau residents think that our local government is not doing enough to manage cruise tourism; and
WHEREAS, city leaders and industry have had decades to act and have failed to balance the economic benefits to some against the economic and other harms of the many imposed by the cruise tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, residents are displaced by cruise industry overtourism from downtown, the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, and recreation and food harvesting on area lands and waters; and
WHEREAS, excess human presence and human-driven noise from overtourism sullies the sentient, sacred, divine, and living ancestral natural environment necessary for cultural and spiritual health and growth; and
WHEREAS, health, learning, productivity, and enjoyment are diminished by air pollution, noise, light pollution, and traffic from cruise ships, tour buses, helicopters, floatplanes, and boats; and
WHEREAS, Ship-Free Saturdays would provide one day per week, in a consistent and predictable manner, for rest, recovery, recreation, fishing, gathering, and events and activities at home, downtown, and elsewhere in the community; and
WHEREAS, Ship-Free Saturdays would give businesses providing cruise industry services one predictable day per week to schedule maintenance and time off. This pause could result in safer, cleaner, and better operations and happier employees; and
WHEREAS, Ship-Free Saturdays would enhance the experiences of independent visitors; and
WHEREAS, The Fourth of July is a day of community celebration and festivity that extends along our waterfront and through our narrow downtown streets. Making July Fourth cruise ship free opens possibilities for additional community use and enjoyment of our downtown and harbor throughout the entire day.

SHALL THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU CODE BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 20, Business Regulations, is amended to create a new chapter entitled CBJ 20.50 Cruise Ships, with a new section to read as follows:

20.50.010 No cruise ship with a capacity of 250 passengers or more shall be allowed to dock, moor, or disembark passengers within the City and Borough of Juneau boundaries on any Saturday or July 4.

Section 2. Effective Date. This initiative shall be effective 30 days after the election is certified.

  • SHIP-FREE SATURDAYS, YES
  • SHIP-FREE SATURDAYS, NO

PROPOSITION #3
Explanation

The proposition will authorize the issuance of $10,000,000 in general obligation bond debt for paying the cost of undertaking certain wastewater utility infrastructure improvements including replacement of the wastewater clarifier building at the Juneau Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant that services Thane, Downtown and Douglas. The total annual debt service costs, assuming an interest rate of 3.50%, will be approximately $1,210,000. This amount of debt service would require an annual property tax levy of approximately $18.48 per $100,000 of assessed value. This example of a property tax levy is provided for illustrative purposes only.

PROPOSITION #3
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
$10,000,000

To improve wastewater utility service by improving wastewater utility infrastructure, including, but not limited to, replacement of the wastewater clarifier building at the Juneau Douglas Wastewater Treatment Plant that services Thane, Downtown and Douglas within the City and Borough, shall the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, issue and sell its general obligation bonds, maturing within 10 years of their date of issue, in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $10,000,000?

  • BONDS, YES
  • BONDS, NO

RECALL PETITION A
Recall Board of Education Member Deedie Sorensen, President
Petitioners Committee Verbatim State of Grounds:

“Sorensen demonstrated failure to perform prescribed duties, misconduct in office, and incompetence by: …Failure to understand the FY24 budget accounting errors resulting in $7.9M deficit and taxpayer loan from CBJ, violating BP3460.”

Verbatim rebuttal statement from Deedie Sorensen:

“The reality behind this recall is 20+ years of declining student enrollment and prior board leadership unwilling to adjust the budget to this reality.

School Board members rely on district staff to develop, monitor, and regularly report on budget changes. In November 2023, a multi-month audit confirmed there was a substantial failure to report critical financial information.

In response to the alarming audit and the departure of the finance officer, the Board authorized the new superintendent to hire an accountant to examine our budget exhaustively.

In January 2024, as Board President, I notified the Assembly and our community of the findings – a severe budget deficit.

Next, we implemented strategies to address the issues which included a hiring freeze, securing a $3.9 million grant for building maintenance, all while holding meetings to gather public input on the 2025 school budget and consolidation. The board, administration, and staff should be commended for achieving a balanced budget revision for 2024, resulting in $600,000 positive balance. This is the deficit budget referenced in the Recall.

We made difficult decisions for our schools in the 2025 budget. Decisions necessary to ensure our students continue to receive a great education.

Vote “NO” on the recall.”

Board of Education Recall Question – Petition A:
Shall Deedie Sorensen be recalled from the office of Board of Education?

  • RECALL SORENSEN, YES
  • RECALL SORENSEN, NO

RECALL PETITION B
Recall Board of Education Member Emil Mackey, Vice-President
Petitioners Committee Verbatim State of Grounds: 

“Mackey demonstrated failure to perform prescribed duties, misconduct in office, and incompetence by: …Failing to understand FY24 budget accounting errors resulting in $7.9M deficit and taxpayer loan from CBJ, violating BP3460.”

Verbatim rebuttal statement from Emil Mackey:

“The Budget Issue is not as described in the Recall Petition nor in the Ballot Title. Unlike other states, the responsibility for Alaska school funding is the sole responsibility of the State and it is unconstitutional for districts to fund past the “local contribution” limited in case law and statute. As long as the State of Alaska funds districts within 5% of 2006 funding levels, all districts will continue to face deficits and cuts.

The board was notified of the issue in January 2024 with four months to make a decision under State Law. The budgetary choice was simply buildings versus staff. In FY 2024, the District employed 317 teachers. The chosen model laid off 46.5 teachers. Had we adopted the model advocated by recall sponsors, the district would have had to lay-off 84 of the 317 teachers. Nobody liked the choices, but the chosen alternative was the best decision possible for student success and kept the lowest possible Pupil/Teacher Ratio for years to come. A successful recall will threaten these solutions and have a chilling effect on responsible decision-making by future board members. I urge a “No” vote against this recall. Learn more at JuneauRecall.com.”

Board of Education Recall Question – Petition B:
Shall Emil Mackey be recalled from the office of Board of Education?

  • RECALL MACKEY, YES
  • RECALL MACKEY, NO

We Want You! Uncle Sam ImageTo be eligible to vote in the City and Borough of Juneau, voters must register 30 days prior to the municipal election, at an address within the City and Borough of Juneau.

If a voter has changed a name, residence address or mailing address, an updated voter registration application should be completed. Voters may register to vote at any of the following locations during regular office hours:

  • State Division of Elections’ Office, 240 Main St., Room 601, Monday – Friday
  • State Division of Elections – Region I Office, Mendenhall Mall Annex, Monday – Friday
  • Municipal Building, 155 Heritage Way, Clerk’s Office Room 214/215, Monday – Friday; and
  • Any CBJ Library – check schedule for hours: http://www.juneau.org/library/contact_branch.php
  • Check your Voter Registration status at https://myvoterportal.alaska.gov/

What if I moved out of Juneau and forgot to update my voter registration?
You will need to cancel your voter registrations through the State of Alaska/Division of Elections, they oversee the voter rolls. https://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/cancelyouralaskavoterregistration.php or call the Division of Elections at 907-465-3021 or toll-free: 1-866-948-8683.

I am not yet 18 years old but will turn 18 before Election Day, can I register to vote?

In accordance with Alaska Statute 15.07.040, a person under 18 years of age may register at any time within 90 days immediately preceding the person’s 18th birthday. However, they may not vote or participate in the election process, such as signing a petition as a registered voter, until their 18th birthday.

If you have any questions regarding the registration process or status, please contact the State Division of Elections directly at 907-465-3021.

Candidates appearing on the ballot

The below candidates have been officially certified to appear on the 2024 October 1 Regular Municipal Election ballot. People had until Monday, July 22 at 4:30pm to turn in paperwork to become certified candidates.

CERTIFIED CANDIDATES (updated 8/28/24 to add candidate profiles)

Becoming a Write-in Candidate

Anyone wishing to file as a Write-In Candidate for the October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election will need to file a Letter of Intent and Declaration of Candidacy Form along with an Alaska Public Offices Commission Public Official Financial Disclosure Statement no later than Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Write-in candidacy procedures are in accordance with CBJ Code 29.07.050. Should we receive any write-in candidates, their names will be added to the certified candidate list but they will not have an optional candidate profile statement and their name will not be printed on the ballot.

Candidate Filing Period

This year the following seats are on the October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election Ballot:

  • Mayor
  • Assemblymember – District 1 (one seat)
  • Assemblymember – District 2 (one seat)
  • Board of Education/School Board (three seats)

Candidate Filing Period opened at 8:00am on Friday, July 12 and closed at 4:30pm on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Candidates must turn in the following paperwork to the Clerk’s Office:

Candidate Resources

The following resources were put together in advance of the May 11, 2024 How to Run For Local Office Workshop.

2024 Toolkit – How to Run For Local Office Handbook

1) How to Run – Introduction
2) How to Run – The Job
3) How to Run – Legal Requirements
4) How to Run – Campaigns
5) How to Run – Preparing to Run

We strongly recommend that potential candidates spend time on the Alaska Public Office Commission (APOC)’s website.

As of Monday, July 1, 2024, the Municipal Clerk’s Office has completed the review/certification process for the initiative and referendum petitions listed below.  Each petition was required to obtain a minimum of 2,359 signatures of qualified Juneau voters. The Initiative Petition for “Ship-Free Saturdays” received the required number of signatures and has been certified. The Referendum Petition to Repeal Ordinance 2023-24 did not receive the required number of signatures and was deemed insufficient.

The Municipal Clerk’s Office denied the following initiative petitions for being in the improper form.

The following petition was withdrawn:

The following were the dates to file an Initiative Petition or Referendum Petition Affidavit to appear on the October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election.

Initiative Petition Filing Period March 26 – April 9
Referendum Petition Filing Period April 9 – April 24

Resource Documents:

On April 3, 2024, the Municipal Clerk’s Office received a finalized Affidavit and Application from a Petitioner’s Committee for the Recall of School Board President Deedie Sorensen and Vice President Emil Mackey. In consultation with the CBJ Law Department, the Municipal Clerk approved, in part, both applications based on one of the grounds listed in the application.

Petition Booklets were issued to the Petitioner’s Committee on Wednesday, April 10 and the committee had 60 days (by Monday, June 10) in which to obtain the signatures of, at minimum, 2,359 qualified Juneau voters on each petition in order for them to be certified. On Thursday, June 20, Clerk staff determined the initial petition books had an insufficient number of signatures and supplemental petitions books were issued to the petitioners committee on Friday, June 21. (See letter below for complete details.) The Petition Committee returned the supplemental books on July 1.

As of Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Municipal Clerk’s Office has completed the review/certification process for the recall petitions listed below.  Each petition was required to obtain a minimum of 2,359 signatures of qualified Juneau voters. Both petitions for recall received the required number of signatures and have each been certified.

The next step in the process is for the Clerk to transmit the certified petitions to the Assembly at its next meeting (Regular Assembly meeting being held on Monday, July 29) and for the Assembly to pass a motion to include the questions on the October 1, 2024 Regular Municipal Election ballot.

Copies of the relevant petition documents can be found below:

For additional assistance regarding any Municipal Election, please do not hesitate to contact:

CBJ Clerk’s Office
155 Heritage Way
Juneau, AK 99801
Telephone: (907)586-5278 FAX: (907)586-4550 TDD: (907)586-5351
[email protected]

  • POLITICAL SIGNS & CBJ SIGN ORDINANCE INFO

Political signs do not require a CBJ Sign Permit for placement, but they must meet the following standards found in CBJ Ordinance 49.45.300:

    • Unlit political signs up to thirty-two square feet each may be displayed on private property.
    • Signs may be installed ninety days prior to the election and shall be removed within five working days after the election.
    • Political signs not relating to a specific election shall be limited to ninety days within one calendar year.
    • Unlit political signs of up to four square feet may be displayed on private property up to two hundred seventy days prior to the election and shall be removed within five working days after the election.
    • Signs must be placed in a manner that does not obstruct the view of drivers to oncoming traffic.
    • Signs may not imitate traffic signs or signals, or be attached to or be placed adjacent to any utility pole, parking meter, traffic sign, signal, or official traffic control device.
    • Signs may not move, rotate or flash.
    • Signs on licensed, functional motor vehicles are allowed, provided that the primary use of the vehicle is not the display of signs and that the vehicle is not used as a static display for advertising. The State of Alaska Department of Transportation updated their sign rules in 2018. Please see the complete details regarding those requirements on their website at https://dot.alaska.gov/stwddes/dcsrow/campaignsigns.shtml
    • Questions regarding this may be directed to Right-of-Way Agent, AK DOT, 465-4546.
    • Starting three weeks prior to Election Day, when the secure Ballot Drop Boxes open, no signs are to be displayed within 200 feet of any entrance to the Vote Centers or in proximity of one of the Secure Drop Boxes. [During the hours the polls are open, a person who is in the polling place or within 200 feet of any entrance to the polling place may not attempt to persuade a person to vote for or against a candidate, proposition, or question. (AS 15.15.170)]

Election Workers Wanted!

Are you a civic-minded, hardworking Juneau resident interested in your local elections? Come work for us! We have a variety of jobs with different time commitments, locations, and task requirements. For the 2024 election, we will be paying $20.28 per hour.

Contact Deputy Municipal Clerk Andi Hirsh at [email protected] or [email protected], or 907-586-5278 to learn more.

Election Worker Qualifications

  • registered to vote in Juneau;
  • enjoy interaction with the public; and
  • ability to perform duties in a neutral/non-partisan fashion.

An election worker should not work or volunteer on the campaign of a candidate or a ballot petition that appears on the municipal ballot.  In addition, an election worker cannot have a familial relationship with a candidate on the municipal ballot or a familial relationship with a member of a petitioner’s committee. A familial relationship includes:

  • mother, mother-in-law, stepmother;
  • father, father-in-law, stepfather;
  • sister, sister-in-law, stepsister;
  • brother, brother-in-law, stepbrother;
  • spouse; or
  • person sharing the same living quarters.

October 20, 2023 Election Report to the CBJ Assembly (Includes final results & statistics)

Official FINAL Results of the October 3, 2023 CBJ Municipal Election as Certified by the Canvass Review Board on 10/17/2023 at 5:15p.m.

UPDATED UNOFFICIAL RESULTS FOR 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION; these are a cumulative total of all ballots currently processed and counted as of 10/13/2023 at 1:30p.m.

UPDATED UNOFFICIAL RESULTS FOR 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION; All ballots processed as of 10/10/2023 at 3:00p.m.

UPDATED UNOFFICIAL RESULTS FOR 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION; All ballots processed as of 10/6/2023 at 6:00p.m.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 UNOFFICIAL RESULTS ON ELECTION NIGHT (10/3/2023)

October 3, 2023 CBJ Regular Municipal Election – NOTICE OF ELECTION

Questions or Need Assistance? Call 907-586-5278 option 4 or send an email to [email protected] 

SAMPLE BALLOT

CERTIFIED CANDIDATES LIST – Includes links to Optional Candidate Profile/Statements

Curious about the By Mail Election Process and how the ballots are processed? Check out this video of the Thane Ballot Processing Center by KTOO Radio.

Important Deadlines:

The City and Borough of Juneau October 3, 2023 Regular Municipal Election is being conducted as a By Mail Election. Ballots will be mailed on September 14 to registered CBJ voters and may arrive as early as September 15. Voters will be able to return their ballot by mail, at a secure drop box, or at a Vote Center (listed below).

If you’re going to be absent from your voting address, for any reason, you can apply to have your ballot sent to a temporary address or to receive a ballot by fax or email.

Deadline Has Passed – 2023 CBJ Application for a Fax/e-ballot. Apply early! Applications for Fax/e-ballot are due by 5:00p.m. Monday, October 2, 2023. Ballots returned by fax or email must arrive by 8:00pm on Election Day, Tuesday October 3, 2023.

Deadline Has Passed – 2023 CBJ Temporary Address Application. Apply early! The last day to apply to have your ballot mailed to a temporary address is Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Ballots returned through the mail must legibly postmarked no later than Election Day, October 3, 2023 and received by the Clerk’s Office no later than the start of the Canvass Review Board certification on Monday, October 16, 2023.

Juneau Vote Center Hours and Locations:

Vote in-person, drop off voted ballots, request a replacement ballot, receive voter assistance, or register to vote or update your address for a future election.

City Hall Assembly Chambers, 155 S. Seward St.
Weekdays, September 18 – October 2: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Election Day, October 3: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Mendenhall Valley Public Library, 3025 Dimond Park Loop
Weekdays, September 18 – October 2: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturdays, September 23 and 30: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Election Day, October 3: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Secure Ballot Drop Boxes

Will be available 24/7 from September 15 until 8:00 pm on Election Night, October 3, 2023 at the following locations:

Douglas Library/Fire Hall Community Building. 1016 3rd Street, Douglas

Auke Bay-Statter Harbor BOAT LAUNCH Parking Lot, 11801 Glacier Hwy, Auke Bay
(NOT the Harbor Office parking lot)

Candidate Information:

CERTIFIED CANDIDATES LIST (updated Wednesday, 8/30/2023 2:45pm to add optional candidate profiles)

This year the following seats are on the October 3, 2023 Regular Municipal Election Ballot:

  • ASSEMBLYMEMBER – AREAWIDE (two seats; one 3-year term, one 2-year term)
  • ASSEMBLYMEMBER – DISTRICT 1 (one seat)
  • ASSEMBLYMEMBER – DISTRICT 2 (one seat)
  • BOARD OF EDUCATION (School Board Member) (two seats)

Anyone wishing to run as a Write-In Candidate for the October 3, 2023 Regular Municipal Election will need to file a Letter of Intent and Declaration of Candidacy Form along with an Alaska Public Offices Commission Public Official Financial Disclosure Statement with the City Clerk’s Office no later than Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Write-in candidacy procedures are in accordance with CBJ Code 29.07.050.

2023 Candidate Filing Documents

The Candidate Filing Period opened at 8:00a.m. on Friday, July 14 and closed at 4:30p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Below are links to the complete packets containing the Declaration of Candidacy form, Nominating Petition, and Official Candidate Statement form for each of the above offices:

Candidates must also turn in a paper copy of their Alaska Public Offices Commission Public Official Financial Disclosure Statement per Alaska Statues 39.50

Unlike State of Alaska elections, Juneau voters vote for all the races on the ballot regardless of the Assembly District in which they live. The Assembly District distinction is used to ensure the candidate lives within the district of the seat for which they are running if they are running for a specific District 1 or 2 seat. If you are interested in filing as a write in candidate for a district race and not sure what Assembly District you live in, check your address on our map.

Quick Reference Dates for October 3, 2023 Regular Municipal Election – Working Draft to be updated periodically throughout the election cycle.

The deadline to register to vote or update your address for the October 3, 2023 Municipal Election was Sunday, September 3, 2023. Register or update your address online through the Alaska Division of Elections or in person at: the City Clerk’s Office (City Hall, 155 S Seward St), Alaska Division of Elections (9109 Mendenhall Mall Road Suite 3), or any of the Juneau Public Libraries.