By Therese Lewandowski

Just like the sockeye run, election time is on its way. And as sure as there are jumpers on the Kenai, candidate signs will be popping up. So, get ready!

While the first run for salmon are the mighty chinook where access is limited, for elections it is the primary and, as for all elections, every eligible voter is invited! The primary election is to determine who will then go on to the general election in November. These are offices for state and federal representatives, senators and state governor/lieutenant governor. This year there will be one ballot with all political parties and nonpartisan candidates listed. The top four winners will advance to the general election. There may also be some ballot measures to vote on.

The state/federal primary election date is Aug. 16 for voting in person. You can apply now for an absentee-by-mail application for a ballot to vote in the state/federal 2022 elections. Go to https://www.elections.alaska.gov/. Your deadline for requesting that application is Aug. 6. Absentee-by-mail ballots are mailed out approximately 25 days prior to the election. Absentee-in-person voting begins Aug. 6.

Candidates interested in running for an office have until June 1 to file their intent. Go ahead and view the current candidate list at the state elections website, it is regularly updated.

By the time you have your sockeyes in the freezer, voters should be paying close attention to election dates and candidate forums. Be informed!

Oh! Most Alaskans are automatically registered to vote with their PFD application. If you are not a registered voter, go to https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/ and do so now. You must be a registered voter a minimum of 30 days prior to voting in your district.

Remember, your vote counts and your voice matters.

Therese Lewandowski is a member of Kenai Peninsula Votes.