You probably know that women had the right to vote in Alaska seven years before our sisters in the Lower 48. In 1913 the newly formed Territorial Legislature enacted one of the first laws. Alaskan women have had that voice from almost the beginning of statehood. Nell was Alaska's first woman in the Territorial Legislature. I'm thinking about Elizabeth Peratrovich who, with her husband and the Native community in Juneau, was instrumental in getting the territorial legislature to pass the Anti-discrimination act.
Women still play a big role in determining the outcome of some major issues in Alaska.
Four of 14 Commissioners are women There are still more men registered to vote than women. More women voted in the age category 18-44 and in the above 75 group Keep those statistics in mind as I talk about some very important issues that are being talked about in Juneau. Asked legislature for 252.2 GF to cover costs incurred to partially close last year's stateide primary election. Named a Primary Election Task Force made up of four former lieutenant governors, two former attorneys general and a representative from the League of Women Voters. Held three meetings, including one public hearing Last Friday we came up with a recommendation and will be drafting a bill to be introduced this session.