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Denali Borough keeps broad mail-ballot rules; Assembly adopts elections ordinance version B
Summary
The Assembly unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-09 (version B) to retain broad mail-balloting practices and streamline pre-election verification so feasible mail-in ballots can be counted on election night when precinct registers allow.
The Denali Borough Assembly voted July 28 to adopt Ordinance 26-09, version B, preserving mail-ballot distribution to registered voters and clarifying the verification and counting process for mail-in and early ballots.
Public commenters and several Assembly members supported version B as the more accessible option. Paul Ollick, who testified during the public hearing, said the version "protects the access to voting for all residents in the borough." Supporters stressed that mailing ballots to registered voters reduces administrative burdens and encourages turnout.
The clerk explained practical steps in version B: ballots from the largest precinct (Healy) can be verified against the precinct register on election night and counted if the voter did not also vote in person that day; ballots received before the Canvas Committee will be counted when postmarked by election day. Assembly members said that approach balances voter access with safeguards against double voting.
The motion to approve version B was moved by Assembly member Canelli and passed by roll call. The ordinance will change the borough’s local elections code and staff said they will continue to refine procedures to ensure ballots received in time are verified and counted appropriately.
