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President’s Message By will anderson, president/ceo Thanks you for taking the time to read this special edition of our Shareholder newsletter. Never before has Koniag, Inc. become involved in state or federal political elections, but given what is at state in this year’s U.S. Senate election, our Board and management team felt compelled to become involved. Koniag, Inc. supports Sen. Lisa Murkowski in her write-in campaign for a number of reasons. Sen. Murkowski has proven she is a friend and advocate for the Alaska Native community and rural Alaska. She has the experience, respect and clout in Congress to be an effective voice for all Alaskans. That is why we, as a corporation, are backing Sen. Murkowski and ask that you consider supporting her write-in campaign. While Sen. Murkowski possesses the ability to work across party lines with a balanced focus on what’s best for Alaska, her opponents in the senate race are either inexperienced or extreme. For instance, the republican candidate, Joe Miller, has said he would like to abolish the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program which allows Alaska Native corporations to gain special access to federal contracts. Koniag, Inc. has effectively used the program to boost revenues, dividends and scholarships for Shareholders and descendents. We think Mr. Miller’s views are extreme and could have a significant negative impact on our corporation. We are also concerned about his views on Subsistence and his lack of support for a Rural Priority. The democratic candidate, Scott McAdams, has more reasonable views and appears to be a friend of the Native community. However, Mr. McAdams lacks the experience of Sen. Murkowski and the clout she has accrued over the past eight years. Sen. Murkowski sits on the Appropriations Committee, an important assignment that can effectively help direct federal dollars to important infrastructure projects in Alaska. Sen. Murkowski also is the ranking member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, another key position to represent the interests of Alaska. If Mr. McAdams becomes our senator he will be a freshman with little influence. Alaska would also become the state with the least seniority in Congress. For all of the reasons outlined above, Koniag believes this election is one of the most important in our state’s history. That is why Koniag joined other regional corporations in forming Alaskans Standing Together, an independent campaign committee set up to support Lisa Murkowski’s candidacy. As you carefully consider the candidates in this year’s U.S. Senate race, we ask you to give thought to who would best represent the interests of Koniag, the Native community and all of Alaska. We believe Lisa Murkowski is that candidate and we ask you to help us by writing in Lisa Murkowski on the ballot. And, remember you have to fill in the oval. Sincerely, Will Anderson Lisa is our friend. Senator Lisa Murkowski has fought hard for us these past eight years, which is why so many Native groups have stepped forward to endorse her. She has been a leading voice on federal issues that impact rural Alaska and secured money for airport improvements, sea walls, public safety and new health facilities. It is critical that we have a senator with the experience to bring home Alaska’s fair share. Write in Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate – and remember to fill in that oval. Paid for by Alaskans Standing Together and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Contact us at www.alaskansstandingtogether.org. P.O. Box 243454, Anchorage, AK 99524. 907-222-0770. PAGE TWO
early voting instructions Beginning 15 days prior to the election, and continuing through Election Day, voters may vote: • Early at a Regional Elections Office in the jurisdiction where the voter is registered. Regional offices are located in Juneau, Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks and Nome. • In-person absentee at any Regional Elections Office or absentee voting location. What is the difference between in-person voting and early absentee voting? When voting early, the voter’s eligibility to vote is verified at the time of voting through the Division of Elections statewide voter registration system. A voter is eligible to vote early if the voter is voting at the Regional Elections Office where the voter is registered and if the voter’s registration record is active and current. Early voting is available only during Primary, General and Statewide Special Elections. Since the voter’s eligibility to vote could be verified, the voter simply signs a certificate and the voted ballot is placed directly into the ballot box. When voting in-person absentee, the voter’s eligibility to vote is verified after the voter is issued a ballot. In-person absentee voting is available at each Regional Elections Office and at many absentee voting locations throughout the state. Since the voter’s eligibility could not be verified at the time of voting, the voter’s voted ballot is placed inside an absentee voting envelope prior to being placed in the ballot box. When do early and in-person absentee voting sites open? Most early vote and in-person absentee voting sites open 15 days before Election Day and remain open through Election Day. Times and dates may vary depending on the location and/or community. Locate an Early Vote and In-Person Voting Location near you. What ballots are available at each site? Some voting sites will have ballots for all 40 house districts, some will have ballots for a single district and some will have ballots for multiple districts at one location. When are early and in-person absentee ballots counted? The Division of Elections counts all early and in-person absentee ballots that are eligible to be counted from election night through up to 15 days after the election. The dates and times when early and in-person absentee ballots are counted will be determined prior to each election. For a polling place near you visit: www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_ea_ev_site_genr.php voting instructions Lisa’s name will not appear on the ballot but it’s easy to vote for her. How To VOTE: 1 Under the United States Senator section, find the “Write-in” line 2 Write in “Lisa Murkowski” 3 1 2 3 Fill in the oval 4 Vote the rest of the ballot Voting in Alaska is EASY and in these historic times, your vote counts more than ever before. Don’t miss out! 4 Polls open Election Day 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 If you have questions, or to find out where to vote, call 1-888-383-8683. PAGE THREE
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