Chapter 4.08
VOTER QUALIFICATIONS

Sections:

4.08.010    Voter qualification.

4.08.020    Rules for determining residence of voter.

4.08.030    Registration.

4.08.010 Voter qualification.

A.    A person may vote in a city election only if the person:

1.    Is qualified to vote in state elections under AS 15.05.010;

2.    Has been a resident of the city for thirty (30) calendar days immediately preceding the election;

3.    Is registered to vote in state elections at a residence address within the city at least thirty (30) calendar days before the city election at which the person seeks to vote; and

4.    Is not disqualified to vote under Article V of the Alaska Constitution. (Ord. 02-22 § 7, 2002: Prior code § 18.10.010)

4.08.020 Rules for determining residence of voter.

A.    For the purpose of determining residence for voting, the place of residence is governed by the following rules:

1.    The residence of a person is that place in which the person’s habitation is fixed, and to which, whenever absent, the person has the intention to return. If a person resides in one place but does business in another, the former is the person’s place of residence. Temporary construction camps do not constitute a dwelling place.

2.    A change of residence is made only by the act of removal joined with the intent to remain in another place. There can only be one residence.

3.    A person may not be considered to have gained a residence solely by reason of presence nor may a person lose it solely by reason of absence while in the civil or military service of the United States or of this state, or because of marriage to a person in the civil or military service of the United States or of this state, or while a student of an institution of learning, or while kept in an institution or asylum at public expense, or while confined in a public prison, or while engaged in the navigation of waters of this state, or the United States, or of the high seas, or while residing upon an Indian or military reservation, or while residing in the Alaska Pioneers Home.

4.    A person does not lose residence if the person leaves home and goes to another country, state or place in this state for temporary purposes only and with the intention of returning.

5.    A person does not gain a residence in any place to which the person comes without a present intent to establish a permanent dwelling at that place.

6.    A person loses residence in this state if the person votes in another state’s election, either in person or by mail and will not be eligible to vote in this state until again qualifying under A.S. 15.05.010.

7.    The term of residence is computed by including the day on which the person’s residence begins and excluding the day of election. (Ord. 02-22 § 8, 2002: Prior code § 18.10.020)

4.08.030 Registration.

A.    A person may vote in an election only if the person is a qualified voter under the Alaska State Constitution, the laws of Alaska and this chapter and the person has registered as required by the state election code and Section 4.08.010.

B.    The precinct election officials at any election shall allow a person to vote whose name is on the official precinct registration list for that precinct and who is qualified under this chapter and A.S. 15.05. A person whose name is not on the official registration list shall be allowed to vote a questioned ballot. (Prior code § 18.10.030)