Amplify Your Voice: Election Letter from Joe Nelson

The 2018 midterm elections are Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and will feature hundreds of congressional, state and local races across the country.

Sealaska has actively engaged in the political process, advocating on behalf of our shareholders and Native communities for decades. It follows a practice begun in 1912 with the formation of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood.

Sealaska has 23,000 shareholders living across all 50 states, and we know they are going to have varying opinions on any given issue. With respect to advocacy and policy, Alaska Natives from Southeast Alaska have always been collaborative and thoughtful, but willing to take a stand on what’s in the best interest of their people. You see this in the long history of shareholders successfully running for office for decades from both parties.

Sealaska’s board endorses candidates as a way to share its perspective on broad issues facing Alaska Natives and supports candidates that work to advance their goals. Sealaska advocacy efforts go beyond endorsements and include work such as subsistence or supporting the efforts of the Landless communities.

Joe Nelson, Sealaska board chair

Sealaska respects all shareholder positions and political views and encourages them to add their voice by voting.

Sincerely,
Joe Nelson, Sealaska Board Chair

Please visit the Alaska State Division of Elections voter information page for additional information.

Important 2018 General Election Dates:
• Oct. 22 – Early and absentee voting begins
• Oct. 27 – Deadline to request by-mail or electronic ballot
• Nov. 5 – Electronic ballots due by 5 p.m. AKDT
• Nov. 6 – Election Day
• Nov. 16 – Deadline to receive absentee ballots returned by mail
• Nov. 21 – Deadline to receive by mail ballots from voters overseas