About Clean Elections

about Clean Elections in Alaska

Who we are:

Alaskans for Clean Elections is a statewide grassroots group of dedicated Alaskans. We believe changing how Alaska's elections are financed will bring political power back into the hands of Alaskans and positively enhance our democracy.

Why we organized:

Alaskans for Cleans Elections believe it is time to take back our broken political system from the big money and special interests who have held our state government hostage for the past twenty-five years.

Top VECO executives pled guilty and await sentencing for bribery, influence peddling and illegally funneling thousands of dollars to Alaska lawmakers. Three legislators, Tom Anderson, Vic Kohring and former Speaker of the State House Pete Kott have been convicted on corruption charges and speculation that more indictments are pending is rampant. Juneau Representative Bruce Weyrauch is still awaiting trial in federal court. Alaska may have been losing over one billion dollars per year in revenue because of corruption during the 2006 PPT oil tax legislation. Governor Palin called the legislature back into special session and the result was a higher tax rate on oil production in Alaska. We, the people of Alaska, deserve to have faith in our elected officials.

What is the solution?

Alaskans for Clean Elections submitted the Alaska Clean Elections Initiative to Lt. Gov. Parnell for approval in the summer of 2007. We began working very hard after we received our books at the end of August 2007. By January 14, 2008, we had, with the tremendous effort of our volunteer and paid gatherers, gathered and submitted over 33,500 signatures. On March 11th, the Lt. Gov's office notified us that we were certified for the August 26th Primary Ballot!

By passing the Alaska Clean Elections Initiative into law, We Alaskans can:

Affirm the principle of "one person, one vote" by reducing the disproportionate influence of large contributors on elections and enabling citizens of all backgrounds to participate equally in the democratic process;

Strengthen public confidence in government and eliminate the perception of corruption caused by private financing of election campaigns;

Increase accountability of elected officials to the voters;

Create genuine opportunities for qualified individuals to run for state office and encourage more competitive elections;

Free elected officials from the incessant demands of fundraising, enable them to spend more time interacting with constituents and carry out official duties;

Slow the escalating cost of elections;

Assist voters and candidates to hear and be heard on a more level playing field, and provide for more open and robust debate on issues of public concern.

Clean Elections is an idea whose time has come in Alaska.