Every Voice Counts General Election Absentee Ballots Voting is important to our democratic process. It is our civic duty and a critical component to ensuring your voice is heard. As Alaska continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, it is essential to stay safe. Going to a polling location may be risky and could put your family and friends in danger of exposure to COVID-19. Don’t forget to take a quick moment to fill out your online application to vote-by-mail with an absentee ballot by visiting the following link: www.elections.alaska.gov.  Stay safe and protected from COVID-19 Remember, every vote counts. Be safe while being heard.

Alaska Travel Protocols Updated travel protocols went into effect on August 11th. The test must have been taken within 72 hours of arriving in Alaska. Test results must be uploaded to an online portal or show that proof of a test taken to an airport screener and self-quarantine, at their own expense, while waiting for results.  Alaska residents can get tested at airports at no cost. All resident and nonresident travelers are required to fill out a three question self-isolation plan in the Alaska Travel Portal. The plan details how travelers will isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. All travelers are required to practice strict social distancing for 14 days after arriving into Alaska, or until a second negative result is obtained.

Returning to School After an Emergency or Disaster: Tips to Help Your Students Cope with COVID-19 Talk to students about what happened in a way they can understand. Keep it simple and appropriate for each child’s age. Provide students with opportunities to talk about what they went through or what they think about it. Encourage them to share concerns and ask questions. Children react, in part, to what they see from the adults around them. When teachers deal with a disaster calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their students. Children who were directly exposed to a disaster can become upset again; behavior changes resulting from the event may be long lasting and can worsen or return if these children see or hear reminders of what happened. Be aware that this could happen and know what resources are available at your school for children and families, should you need to report concerns to the appropriate people at your school. It is difficult to predict how some children will respond to disasters and traumatic events. Because parents, teachers, and other adults see children in different situations, it is important for them to work together to share information about how each child is coping after a traumatic event.

Interim: 1500 W. Benson Blvd. Room 328 Anchorage AK 99503 (907) 269-0174

Session: Capitol Building Room 417 Juneau AK 99801 (907)465-4930

I’m Senator Elvi, always..... “Representing Your Interests!”