About Clean Elections

about Clean Elections in Alaska

Who we are:

Alaskans for Clean Elections is a statewide non-partisan 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 are serving prison sentences for their crimes. Senator Cowdery of Anchorage has recently been indicted and arraigned on conspirary and corruption charges. Speculation is rampant that more indictments are still to come. Juneau Representative Bruce Weyrauch awaits a trial date in federal court. Senator Ted Stevens has been indicted and arraigned in Washington DC for failing to disclose gifts from VECO Corporation on required federal disclosure forms. Requests for moving his trial to Alaska have been denied; the trial is scheduled for October. It's clear VECO's reach extended further than many thought.

Alaska may have lost as much as two billion dollars in revenue because of corruption during the 2006 PPT oil tax legislation. THIS LOST REVENUE WAS ENOUGH TO HAVE PAID FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS FUNDING FOR ALL STATE RACES IN ALASKA FOR THE NEXT 200 YEARS. Governor Palin called the legislature back into special session and the result was a higher oil production tax 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.