Contact: Michelle Meyer 907-230-5617, or Tim June at 907-314-0153.
"Ballot Measure 3 is about clean elections. It's about getting special interest money out of state politics. There has been some confusion that the phrase 'also known as Clean Elections' language was dropped when the Lieutenant Governor's office wrote the ballot text," said Tim June, Chair of Alaskans for Clean Elections.
June added, "In order to clear up any confusion, Alaska voters deserve to understand the 'program of public funding for campaigns' is the same Clean Elections proposal that 33,000 Alaskans signed to bring to the initiative to the ballot. Clean Elections was also included on the name of the initiative companion legislation introduced in both houses of the Alaska Legislature."
June explained, "Clean Elections reduces the influence of special interest money, allows more women and lower income people the chance to compete in elections, and encourages more issues to be addressed in depth because candidates have more time to communicate with voters instead of dialing for dollars. In short, Clean Elections is a major improvement in our democracy.
Clean Elections is also how the system is known in other states, where it enjoys strong voter support. A 2006 survey showed 85% support for Arizona's system.
"Few processes reach that level of support in our democracy," said June. "Now Alaskans have the opportunity to restore trust in our elections process on August 26th Clean Elections is the most significant improvement to our democracy since statehood. Highly respected Alaskans from all political viewpoints support Ballot Measure 3."
Please get more information at www.alaskansforcleanelections.org and see the FACT CHECK page of that addresses misleading assertions from opponents of the measure. www.alaskansforcleanelections.org/factcheck.htm
News and background information interviews are available by contacting Tim June at 907-314-0153 or Michelle Meyer at 907-230-5617. Audio and video clips of prominent supporters are also available on the Alaskans for Clean Elections website.