Opinion ID: 2377531
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Longstanding Alaska Election Principles

Text: In resolving the questions presented by the parties, we are governed by a number of longstanding principles that we have consistently applied to election issues in Alaska over the past 50 years. We start with the bedrock principle that [t]he right of the citizen[s] to cast [their] ballot[s] and thus participate in the selection of those who control [their] government is one of the fundamental prerogatives of citizenship. [1] The right to vote is fundamental to our concept of democratic government. [2] [It] encompasses the [voter's] right to express [the voter's] opinion and is a way to declare [the voter's] full membership in the political community. [3] We articulated this principle over three decades ago in Carr v. Thomas , recognizing the profound importance of citizens' rights to select their leaders and noting that [c]ourts are reluctant to permit a wholesale disfranchisement of qualified electors through no fault of their own. [4] In reviewing and interpreting election statutes, we have uniformly held that [w]here any reasonable construction of [a] statute can be found which will avoid such a result, the courts should and will favor it. [5] We have applied this principle throughout the years because we recognize that the right to vote is key to participatory democracy. Guided by this polar principle, we declared in Edgmon v. State, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Elections that the voter shall not be disenfranchised because of mere mistake, but [the voter's] intention shall prevail. [6] Most recently, in State, Division of Elections v. Alaska Democratic Party, we noted that [w]e have consistently emphasized the importance of voter intent because the opportunity to freely cast [one's] ballot is fundamental. [7] It is in light of our consistent application of these cardinal principles that we examine the issues presented in this case.