Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The General Election has come, but it is not over. We may have weeks ahead of us until the final results of the 2020 General Election are determined. Here are the updates I do have for you today:
- So far, the Division of Elections has counted 173,712 ballots. As of the 2:26am update, 81% of precincts have reported their votes to the Division of Elections. This number will continue to grow as more precincts report.
- Between October 19 and November 2, a record 50,841 Alaskans voted early in-person.
- So far, 95,224 Alaskans returned their absentee ballot by mail, online, or fax. An additional 14,856 voted absentee in-person. Please note, these ballots will be counted November 10, along with early votes cast October 30 through November 2.
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To check the status of your absentee ballot, visit this website.
- The target date to certify the election is November 25, 2020.
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To receive election results as they come in, visit this link. You may also sign up for text alerts when updates are posted online by texting “start” to (907) 312-1012.
Thank you to Vote Safe 907 for assisting Alaskans in voting during this pandemic. This has been a difficult time, and their efforts ensured a safer voting experience for all.
Lastly, Alaska has met its Census goal and we are currently sitting at a 99.9% response rate.
I would like to thank those who completed their Census and those who worked for the Census this year, like Veri di Suvero and my constituents Ed Wesley and Carl Berger, and so many others. Together you ensured Alaska—and every Alaskan—matters. This count will help determine new legislative district lines and secures federal funding for our state for the next decade.
I look forward to keeping you updated as the final election results for Alaska, and our country, roll in. In the meantime, please, continue to wear a mask when in public, socially distance, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me for any reason.
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Senator Tom Begich
Senate District J
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Dear Friend and Neighbor,
This is supposed to appear on the day after the election. Hallelujah. That means it’s all over except, maybe, getting the results. No more political ads on TV repeating endlessly, mail or email boxes full of political ads and pleading requests for donations, plus those shocking headlines. This year was so bad that even Consumer Reports sent out an article titled “Don't Fall for These Lies About Voting in the 2020 Election."
As a legislator’s widow I hear it all the time, ‘politicians are all liars.’ So, first I’ll talk about Max Gruenberg, my late husband. In our time together I heard Max tell two lies. The first was on a very hot day when a lifeguard said everyone under a certain age had to get out of the pool. Max lied to allow his son, who was just short of that age, to stay in the pool. He felt so bad about it he eventually confessed to the lifeguard. The second lie was at the same level. Honest and sweet. I learned on the campaign trail that Max didn’t adjust his positions to his audience either, as I’ve also heard many people claim about politicians. But it isn’t just Max. Out of the ten campaigns I was with him, some with more than one challenger, only two opponents ever tried to deceive voters about Max’s votes or positions. The rest did the honorable thing, they talked about their values and what they wanted to do. In my experience, most candidates don’t play games with the truth.
As for people so rude as to tell a widow her husband was a liar…I just remind them that you can find dishonest people in every profession: plumbers, the clergy, doctors, office workers, police officers plus every gender and every race. All people lie even if it is to compliment mom’s overcooked turkey, “Really mom, it was the best ever….” But mom knows her turkey was dry and voters know when they hear the truth. Give yourself credit and don’t condemn an entire minority for a few ‘bad actors.'
As an insider I’ll add that being a candidate, being a legislator, really isn’t about greed or power either. It’s a passion about doing what you think will help your community…and it’s hard for people with opposing views, to accept its honest origin. Remember Supreme Court Justices Ginsburg and Scalia who were on the opposite ends of the political spectrum but best friends. If you can accept that, in the end it will help you feel better about the whole process.
I walk away from this election breathing a sigh of relief. As I write this I don’t know if my candidates or propositions won or lost but I’m so glad we can come together (masked and six feet apart anyhow) as Alaskans, as Americans, who love our state and our country.
Stay safe,
Kayla
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(907) 465-3704 (Juneau / session)
(907) 269-0169 (Anchorage / interim)
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