Today, the Alaska State Legislature failed to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 64, leaving in place significant barriers that continue to prevent eligible Alaskans from fully participating in the state’s elections. 

In a joint session, the override fell short of the required threshold, with 23 votes in favor and 17 opposed in the House, and 15 in favor and 5 opposed in the Senate—ultimately failing to secure the 40 votes needed to enact these reforms. You can see how your representative voted by visiting here. 

AFN is particularly disappointed in the Governor’s decision to veto this important legislation in the first place. SB 64 represented a thoughtful, bipartisan effort to strengthen election integrity, expand voter access, and modernize Alaska’s election system for all communities, especially those in rural and Alaska Native regions that continue to face disproportionate barriers to participation. 

Today’s outcome represents a missed opportunity for Alaska to move forward with a stronger, more accessible, and more trusted election system. 

SB 64 would have implemented critical reforms, including: 

• Establishing ballot curing, allowing voters to correct minor mistakes rather than having their ballots rejected  
• Improving election transparency, oversight, and ballot tracking to strengthen public trust  
• Expanding rural voter assistance and improving access across Alaska  
• Ensuring prepaid postage for absentee and mail-in ballots so cost is not a barrier to participation  

“Today’s vote is a missed opportunity for Alaska,” said Ben Mallott, President of AFN. “A majority of lawmakers supported these reforms, yet the Legislature fell short of overcoming the veto. As a result, too many eligible voters—especially in rural and Alaska Native communities—will continue to face unnecessary barriers.” 

Without these updates, voters remain at risk of having their ballots rejected over minor errors, and disparities in access will persist across the state. 

AFN extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the Alaska State Legislature who stood up to defend the fundamental right of Alaskans to vote and who supported efforts to strengthen access, fairness, and trust in our democratic process. AFN urges lawmakers to build on that leadership, revisit these reforms, and take action before the end of this legislative session to ensure Alaska’s election system works for all voters. 

AFN remains committed to advocating for policies that protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections while ensuring equitable access for all Alaskans. 

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Tomorrow morning, the Alaska State Legislature will convene to vote on whether to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 64, a critical measure aimed at strengthening Alaska’s election system and protecting the voices of its voters.

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is calling on all Alaskans who believe in fair, accessible, and trustworthy elections to make their voices heard.

SB 64 is about far more than Tribal IDs. It ensures that eligible voters are not denied their right to vote due to technical errors, outdated barriers, or geographic challenges. The legislation would:

• Establish ballot curing, allowing voters to correct minor mistakes rather than having their ballots rejected
• Improve election transparency, oversight, and ballot tracking to strengthen public trust
• Expand rural voter assistance and improve access across Alaska
• Ensure prepaid postage for absentee and mail-in ballots so no voter is prevented from participating due to cost

“This is about whether Alaska chooses a voting system that works for all of us,” said Ben Mallott, President of AFN. “Tomorrow morning, lawmakers have the opportunity to stand with Alaska voters and ensure these long-overdue reforms are in place for the November general election.”

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY

AFN urges Alaskans to contact their legislators and encourage them to vote to override the veto of SB 64.

You can find and contact your legislators through the Alaska State Legislature website. When reaching out, consider sharing the following points:

• Every eligible voter deserves to have their ballot counted
• No Alaskan should lose their vote over a missing witness signature or minor clerical error
• Rural and Alaska Native communities deserve equal access to the ballot
• Stronger oversight and transparency make our elections stronger for everyone

Alaskans may also contact their local Legislative Information Office (LIO) for assistance in reaching elected officials.

Tomorrow morning’s vote will determine whether these reforms are in place for the November general election.

AFN will continue advocating for policies that protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections while ensuring equitable access for all voters, regardless of geography.

Make your voice heard.

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Anchorage, AK — The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) expressed deep disappointment following the Governor’s veto yesterday of Senate Bill 64, legislation aimed at strengthening Alaska’s elections and improving access for voters across the state.

AFN supported this measure because it would have helped ensure more equitable and accessible participation in Alaska’s democratic process, particularly for rural and Alaska Native communities that continue to face barriers to voting.

“The veto of this bill is a setback for fair and accessible elections in Alaska,” said Ben Mallott, AFN President. “This legislation represented an important step toward addressing long-standing challenges that disproportionately impact our communities, including ballot curing, acceptance of tribal IDs, and more rural voter assistance.”

AFN remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold the integrity of Alaska’s elections while ensuring that every eligible voter—regardless of geography or background—has a meaningful opportunity to participate

“We will continue working with lawmakers, state officials, and our partners to advance solutions that protect and expand access to the ballot,” Kendra Kloster, AFN Director of Government Relations, added.

CALL FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

AFN urges the Alaska State Legislature to take immediate action to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 64. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, reflecting a shared recognition that Alaska’s election system must better serve all voters.

“Alaskans deserve an election system that is fair, accessible, and worthy of their participation,” said Mallott. “We call on lawmakers to stand by the passage of SB64 and override this veto to ensure these long-overdue reforms become law.”

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

AFN encourages Alaskans to contact their state legislators and urge them to support an override of the veto on Senate Bill 64.

You can find and contact your legislators through the Alaska State Legislature website.

When reaching out, consider including the following message:

• Urge your legislators to vote to override the veto of SB 64
• Share why fair and accessible elections matter to you and your community
• Highlight the importance of provisions like ballot curing, Tribal ID recognition, and rural voting access

Alaskans may also contact the Legislative Information Office (LIO) for assistance in reaching their elected officials.

AFN will continue advocating for policies that protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections while ensuring equitable access for all voters, regardless of geography.

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ANCHORAGE, AK — The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) released findings in January 2026 from a comprehensive study examining the disproportionate rates of incarceration and recidivism among Alaska Native people and offering culturally grounded recommendations to address these deep systemic inequalities. 

Alaska Native people make up about 14–19% of Alaska’s population, yet they account for 44% of those incarcerated in the state’s prisons. Once released, Alaska Native individuals experience a recidivism rate of 60% — the highest among all monitored racial and ethnic groups tracked by the Alaska Department of Corrections (2025). These disparities have serious consequences not only for individuals but also for families, communities, and the overall social and economic fabric of Alaska. 

“These numbers are not just statistics — they represent our relatives, our communities, and generations of unresolved trauma,” said Kendra Kloster, AFN’s Director of Government Relations, who played a key role in this study. “This study is a vital step toward understanding the root causes of these disparities and finding meaningful, culturally appropriate solutions.”

Kloster testified before the House State Affairs Committee and Senate State Affairs Committee, and on February 20, she also presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the Alaska Native Incarceration Report prepared by AFN with the Alaska Department of Corrections, the University of Alaska Anchorage, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The DOC contracted AFN to conduct a study to offer recommendations to reduce the overrepresentation of Alaska Native people in the criminal justice system, a provision added in House Bill 66, an omnibus crime bill that passed in 2024.  

The study was ordered under Section 64 of House Bill 66, passed by the Alaska Legislature in May 2024 and signed into law on October 9, 2024. The legislation instructed the Department of Corrections to contract with a statewide Alaska Native organization to examine why Alaska Native people make up such a disproportionate share of the state’s prison population and to create practical recommendations. 

AFN partnered with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to conduct community interviews, surveys, and a comprehensive literature review, and with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC) to analyze data on Alaska Native overrepresentation in jails and prisons. The effort was guided by an Indigenous-led Advisory Team of Alaska Native individuals who bring lived experience and professional expertise from tribal programs, tribal justice systems, and community advocacy. 

The study examines eight key areas for intervention identified in the legislation, including: 

• Establishing restorative justice programs tailored to Alaska Native cultural needs 
• Early intervention for at-risk Alaska Native youth and young adults 
• Expanded mental health diagnosis and treatment 
• Affordable housing solutions to reduce homelessness and law enforcement encounters 
• Improved alcohol and drug misuse treatment options 
• Job training and mentoring opportunities 
• Digital access and training for tribal, state, and federal services 
• Identification of federal funding opportunities across agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Indian Health Service, SAMHSA, and the U.S. Department of Labor 

AFN recognizes that meaningful reform requires collaboration across policymakers, justice stakeholders, and Alaska Native communities. Reducing these disparities is both a matter of justice and fiscal responsibility — and a pathway to healthier, safer, and more resilient communities throughout Alaska. 

The full study is available here. 

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Any AFN member organization in good standing may nominate. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 14, 2026. 

Click here for the nomination form and detailed list of criteria.

The following honors will be awarded in 2026:

• Health – Recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence, and sensitivity in the health field, whose accomplishments have improved health care for Alaska Natives. Nominees may be involved in health advocacy, program administration, professional care, and the health professions.
• Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education – Named for the late State Legislator and elementary and bilingual teacher, Eileen Panigeo MacLean, this award recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence, and sensitivity in the field of education, and whose accomplishments have improved educational opportunities for Alaska Natives. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in traditional education at the preschool, elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level. The nominee can be a cultural educator, parent committee member, school board member, administrator, teacher aide, or other education-related professional who has been a positive role model for the Alaska Native community.
• Hannah Paul Solomon “Woman of Courage Award” – Named for the late Hannah Paul Solomon, recognizes an Alaska Native woman who demonstrates through their life and work the strengths of our culture and values, and tremendous courage.
• Katie John Hunter-Fisher – Recognizes an Alaska Native who exemplifies and preserves the spirit of successful subsistence hunting, trapping, and sharing, and our way of life. Nominees must acknowledge and ensure that the next generations of providers will carry on the traditions and customs in harmony and peace, sustaining their extended families.
• Roger Lang Youth Leadership – Named for the late Roger Lang, former AFN President, who encouraged young people to expand their horizons and challenge themselves to become future leaders. Nominees must be young men aged 18-30 who demonstrate leadership qualities. The young women’s category will be available in 2027.
• Small Business – Recognizes an Alaska Native business owner or manager who has demonstrated business success and a commitment to their community, improving economic opportunities for Alaska Natives.
• Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service Award – Recognizes an Alaska Native who demonstrates a strong commitment and willingness to serve in the U. S. Armed Forces in the defense of the United States of America. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in the U. S. Armed Forces in active duty, reserves, National Guard, or a veteran who was honorably discharged from active duty or reserves.
• Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement – Named for the late Glenn Godfrey, Colonel and Director of the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Commissioner of Public Safety. This award recognizes an Alaska Native law enforcement officer, federal, state, or local, who has shown outstanding dedication to the safety of the public in any location(s) within Alaska, often requiring heroic courage in the face of danger.

Submit nominations to Nicole James at AFN.

Michelle is enrolled with the Clark’s Point Village Council and is a shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), and Saguyak, Inc. She earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

With nearly 20 years of experience working with Alaska Native organizations, Michelle brings a practical understanding of organizational operations, workforce development, and the unique opportunities and challenges facing Alaska communities. Her background in human resources and organizational development has provided her with experience working alongside Tribal organizations, Native corporations, nonprofits, and community partners across the state.

Michelle and her husband are the proud parents of two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing, hunting, and foraging with family and friends and values the opportunities these activities provide to stay connected to Alaska’s lands, waters, and traditions. She has also volunteered her time serving on nonprofit boards focused on youth sports and personal development.

Michelle’s lifelong connection to Bristol Bay, combined with her professional experience and commitment to service, helps her support the Tribes, communities, and organizations of the region through AFN’s Navigator Program.

Email: mlisonbee@nativefederation.org

Cindy spent most of her career advancing Alaska Native issues, having worked at the Alaska Native Justice Center, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, the Alaska Federation of Natives, and as Deputy Director for the ANCSA Regional Association for 19 years, during which she managed the ‘Get Out the Native Vote’ program and helped transition it to a 501(c)3.

Cindy is a shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation and Sitnasuak Native Corporation and is an enrolled tribal member of King Island Native Community. She now lives in Anchorage and has one son.

Email: callred@nativefederation.org

She grew up in Anchorage, where she was a highly-decorated student-athlete in the sports of basketball and volleyball. Her family ties are rooted in Hydaburg on Prince of Wales Island where her dad grew up and where her grandparents and extended family still reside. On her mother’s side, she has connections with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, specifically the community of Bethel.

Maya graduated from Ft. Lewis College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and focus in Digital Marketing, where she played volleyball while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. Over the past few summers, she has held internships at Sealaska Corporation and Cook Inlet Tribal Council. That experience has helped expand her knowledge of the complexities of our tribal and corporate structure within the Alaska Native community throughout the state. She is a tribal member of Hydaburg Cooperative Association and shareholder of Sealaska.

Maya’s personal and professional background uniquely position her to support Alaska’s Southeast communities through the Navigator program.

Email: mcarle@nativefederation.org

Doug is enrolled to the McGrath Native Village Council and is a shareholder of Doyon, Ltd. and MTNT, Ltd. He attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School; roughnecked for Doyon Drilling on rigs 15, 14, and in the Inlet; served on the Board of Directors for his village corporation for a term; and headed up Doyon Drilling’s training program before returning to college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Even though Doug calls the Interior ‘home,’ some of his closest friends from MEHS are from the Chain. His commercial fishing childhood also anchors him to the region.

Email: droyal@nativefederation.org

Larissa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a master’s from Northern Arizona University. She spent two years on Capitol Hill in between undergraduate and graduate school, where she worked as a Staff Assistant on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on the Interior during U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens’ chairmanship of the full committee. Larissa is enrolled to Louden Tribal Council (Galena), and is a shareholder of Doyon, Ltd., Gana-A‘Yoo, Ltd. (Galena), and Tozitna, Ltd. (Tanana). She is a former Director of the Gana-A‘Yoo Foundation.

As a graduate of Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Larissa has friends in each of the regions she covers as a Navigator.

Email: lsommer@nativefederation.org