Fairbanks North Star Borough assembly reviews election rules; nominations opened for presiding and deputy presiding officer

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Committee of the Whole on Nov. 6 received a detailed presentation from assembly staff on the code-based process for electing the assembly presiding officer and deputy presiding officer, then opened nominations for both offices.

A clerk's office presenter outlined how nominations and the election are handled under borough code: nominations may be made at the meeting; candidates may speak to qualifications after nominations close; voting is conducted by secret ballot administered by the clerk and a deputy clerk; and if no candidate receives a majority a runoff between the leading candidates will be held. The presenter also reviewed presiding officer duties including setting meeting calendars, calling meetings to order, recognizing speakers, ruling on points of order, and representing the assembly at official business.

"Candidates may also send a recommendation to our clerk specific qualifications," the presenter said, describing the submission process for candidate materials.

After the presentation, the assembly opened nominations. "I'd like to nominate Scott Press for presiding officer, please," said Assemblymember Kelly. Later a member nominated Ms. Reese for deputy presiding officer; the transcript shows the nominee later saying, "I accept." The transcript contains inconsistent spellings for the deputy nominee's name (appearing as "Reese" and later as "Reeves"). The assembly closed nominations for both offices.

Clerks announced that nominated candidates may submit a written resume to the clerk's office by noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, and that candidates will have an opportunity to address their qualifications before the election. The clerk also confirmed remote participants may vote if they follow the ballot notification and return procedures.

The assembly will conduct the formal vote for presiding officer and deputy presiding officer at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in the assembly chambers.