On Election Day in Anchorage, Alaska, I entered a polling location and gave election workers the name Brian Murkowski, Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s brother. I repeatedly told them I did not have identification and asked whether Brian could still vote.
After finding Brian Murkowski’s name on the voter rolls, election workers told me I could vote without presenting ID and offered me a question ballot, telling me it was “Absolutely possible” to vote without ID and later, “You can vote if you’d like to.”
Under Title 15 of the Alaska Statutes, a question ballot can be issued when a voter cannot provide sufficient identification. The voter fills out the ballot in the same manner as other voters, but the ballot is placed in an envelope and subject to further review. When the ballot box is opened, the envelope is segregated, counted, compared with the voting list, and delivered to the election officials responsible for reviewing the ballot.
I did NOT check in as Brian Murkowski, cast a ballot, or sign his name. We documented what happened when I gave his name, said I had no ID, and asked whether Brian could still vote.
At another Anchorage polling location, a member of my team used the name Karina Waller, Sen. Murkowski’s state director, and said she did not have identification. The worker confirmed they were at the correct polling place and offered the question ballot option after the person said they did not have ID.
Sen. Murkowski remains opposed to the SAVE Act, citing concerns that its voter documentation requirements could disenfranchise or alienate voters in rural parts of Alaska and create logistical challenges for some voters.
OMG went to Alaska to expose what happens when someone shows up at the polls without identification and gives the name of someone already on the voter rolls.
OMG has reached out for comment to Brian Murkowski, Lisa Murkowski, and Karina Waller.
@OKeefeMediaGroup
