Alaskans will not need a witness to sign their absentee ballots for the November general election because of COVID-19, the Alaska Supreme Court decided on Monday. The state will be required to count unsigned ballots and to do voter outreach regarding the change.
Native American Rights Fund Staff Attorney Wesley Furlong responded to the court’s decision: “This witness requirement serves no legitimate purpose. Given the pandemic, it is an unconstitutional obstacle for voters that could especially effect Alaska Native communities. We are pleased that the courts have protected Alaskan voters for the upcoming election.”
The decision upholds the decision from Anchorage Superior Court Judge Dani Crosby, who last week ruled that the requirement “impermissibly burdens the right to vote” during the pandemic.
The state was quick to appeal the decision.
The lawsuit, Arctic Village Council v. Meyer, was filed by the Native American Rights Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Alaska, and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on September 8. The ACLU and Lawyers’ Committee represented the League of Women Voters of Alaska and individual plaintiffs Elizabeth L. Jones and Barbara Clark. The Native American Rights Fund and Lawyers’ Committee represented plaintiff tribe Arctic Village Council.
Alaska’s witness signature requirement would have forced interaction on those who live alone, are immunocompromised, or have been self-isolating since the beginning of the pandemic. These voters reasonably fear contracting COVID-19 and have chosen not to be in the presence of others.