How to vote in Nome’s municipal elections

2020 is a consequential election year, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic that leaves people wondering how to vote safely.

While the Alaskan and U.S. primary elections about a month ago saw record absentee voting numbers, it will remain to be seen if the trend also will be true for the general elections on November 3. Nome will hold its municipal elections on Tuesday, October 6. Nomeites have the option to vote in person at Old St. Joe’s, absentee by mail or absentee in person at the Nome City Hall.

Casting a ballot away from the polls is an option during Nome’s municipal election as well, but City Clerk Bryant Hammond said that, in order to assure that ballots arrive on time, it is preferred that individuals vote absentee in person.

To vote absentee, Hammond explained that voters can fill out an absentee ballot application and are given an envelope with the ballot. This can be submitted prior to the election at the Nome City Hall. If registered Nome voters are outside of town, the City will mail the envelope with the ballot to the individual, which they can then mail back.

Hammond said that given the tight turnaround between the filing date for candidates, which was September 15, and the October 6 election date, combined with the slow speed of the mail, voting absentee in person is encouraged.

Nomeites can cast ballots in person at the Old St. Joe’s polling place as usual, but Hammond said that City officials will be maintaining social distancing and will ask that voters wear masks.

The only contested race in Nome this year is for mayor. Interim Mayor John Handeland has submitted his name, as have Colleen Deighton and Ken Hughes. Other than this race, however, candidates are running unopposed.