Opinion ID: 2584102
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: A strict compliance standard would thwart voter intent in contravention of Alaska law.

Text: We have often stated that every reasonable presumption will be indulged in favor of the validity of an election. [29] There is a well-established policy favoring the stability of election results in the face of technical errors or irregularities not affecting election results. [30] We have explained this policy noting that [c]ourts are reluctant to permit a wholesale disfranchisement of qualified electors through no fault of their own, and `[w]here any reasonable construction of [a] statute can be found which will avoid such a result, the courts should and will favor it.' [31] In light of this policy, plaintiffs in Title 15 election contests carry a heavy burden. We have defined malconduct under AS 15.20.540 as a significant deviation from statutorily or constitutionally prescribed norms. [32] And as discussed previously, to maintain an election contest under AS 15.20.540, plaintiffs must demonstrate an effect on the outcome of an election. Rigidly applying a forfeiture sanction for inconsequential violations is inconsistent with the presumptive validity of election results, and the well-established policy favoring election results in the face of technical irregularities. [33] Furthermore, applying a forfeiture sanction for failures to strictly comply with disclosure requirements would significantly undermine the high burdens we have applied in election contests, and the statutorily required showing of an effect on the outcome of the election. [34] A strict compliance standard under AS 39.50.060(b) would thwart voter intent in contravention of Alaska law. Substantial compliance is more consistent with Alaska's election jurisprudence. Of course AS 15.20 contains substantive provisions that are not duplicated in AS 39.50. But it would be anomalous to impose the harsh remedy of forfeiture of elected office under AS 39.50.060(b) for an inconsequential disclosure omission given the high causal standard applicable to election contests.