Alaska, Upper Valley are part of an upward trend in early voting

by: Katie Writer – KTNA

Both the Talkeetna and Trapper Creek libraries report that some Upper Valley residents have already cast their votes in the 2016 General Election. As of Wednesday, 23 early votes had been cast in Trapper Creek, and over 100 in Talkeetna.

Voters come to the polls early for different reasons. For some, it may be due to plans to travel out of state on Election Day. For others, it may be the emphasis on making sure that their vote is cast just in case weather or illness keeps them from going to the polls on November 8th.

Voting early numbers nationwide are up significantly from 2012. According to NBC News, as of November 1st, over 26 million Americans have already voted for their preferred President and Vice President candidate, as well as a host of down-ballot races.

The trend also holds true for Alaska. With nearly a week left before Election Day, the state division of elections reports that nearly as many people have voted early thus far as in all of the 2012 early voting period.

Talkeetna and Trapper Creek Libraries are the early voting places for the Upper Valley. In order to cast a ballot, a registered voter needs one of the following documents: a valid state ID, Driver’s License, Voter Registration Card, military ID, passport, hunting or fishing license or other current photo. In addition, voters may use an utility bill, government check, bank statement, or other government document that includes his or her current address.

Early voting ends next Monday. On Election Day, November 8th, the poling places in the Upper Valley will be Talkeetna Elementary School, Trapper Creek Elementary, the Willow Community Center, and the Upper Susitna Senior Center.

More information about the 2016 General Election, including a sample ballot, is available at the Alaska Division of Elections website.