Alaska Constitution Article V – Suffrage and Elections
Alaska Constitution – Article V: Suffrage and Elections
Short Title:
Voting Rights and Election Procedures in Alaska
Overview:
Article V of the Alaska State Constitution establishes the rules and principles related to voting (suffrage) and the administration of elections. It ensures fair access to the electoral process and outlines eligibility to vote, voter registration, and election conduct.
Main Sections and Their Meaning:
Here are the key provisions of Article V:
Section 1 – Qualified Voters
To vote in Alaska, a person must:
Be a United States citizen
Be at least 18 years old
Have been a resident of Alaska as provided by law
Register to vote as required by law
Section 2 – Disqualifications
A person may not vote if they:
Have been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude (until their civil rights are restored)
Have been declared mentally incompetent by a court
Section 3 – Methods of Voting; Election Contests
The legislature determines:
The methods of voting (e.g., in-person, absentee, electronic)
Procedures for challenging or contesting an election
Section 4 – Voting Residence
Defines how to determine a person’s residence for voting purposes
Ensures voters are properly assigned to voting districts
Section 5 – General Elections
General elections are held on a uniform date as determined by law
This provides consistency and order in the election calendar
Section 6 – Special Elections
Special elections may be held to fill vacancies or decide specific issues
The law determines how and when these are conducted
Section 7 – Election Laws
The legislature has the authority to regulate elections, including:
Voter registration
Conduct of elections
Ballot form and security
Purpose of Article V:
To protect voting rights and establish clear legal standards for voting in Alaska
To ensure that elections are fair, orderly, and accessible
To balance security with the right to vote
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