Early Voting Begins, Weather Interferes

Local First News (News of the North)

Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola and Republican Nick Begich debated in Anchorage, touching on issues like Alaska’s economy, transgender athletes, and ranked choice voting. Begich criticized Peltola’s stance on oil drilling and voiced support for banning transgender women from women’s sports, while Peltola emphasized her bipartisan work. The two also debated ranked choice voting, with Peltola defending the system and Begich advocating for its repeal. They, along with two other candidates, are facing off in the November 5 election.

A winter storm hit Fairbanks on Monday, closing schools, government buildings, and businesses due to heavy snow and freezing rain. The storm has impacted areas like North Pole and Eielson Air Force Base. Local schools, the University of Alaska, and the public transit system have all canceled operations for the day. The Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions as the storm continues.

Early voting for Alaska’s Nov. 5 general election began Monday, with absentee voting already underway. Despite a winter storm causing delays in Fairbanks, over 56,000 voters have requested absentee ballots. Data shows strong turnout among Democrats, with absentee ballot requests higher than among Republicans. Early voting will continue through Halloween, and absentee ballots will be counted gradually after Nov. 1.

Governor Mike Dunleavy attended a fundraiser for former President Donald Trump in Texas, sparking speculation about his political future. While in the state for meetings on a natural gas pipeline project, Dunleavy joined a reception hosted by billionaire Jeff Hildebrand, founder of Hilcorp. Dunleavy’s connection to Trump and his prominent presence at the Republican convention has led to speculation that he may join a future Trump administration, though Dunleavy hasn’t confirmed any discussions with Trump on the matter.