Early in-person absentee voting for our borough and city elections began on Monday, Sept. 16. The election will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Because we are expecting a low voter turnout (it would be great to be wrong), your vote carries more weight. And even when more voters vote, elections can still be tight; here are some examples of close elections in Alaska.

2006: State House District 37, both candidates had 767 votes, and a coin flip determined the winner.

2018: State House District 1: the candidate won by 1 vote.

2020: State House District 27, the candidate running for state House, won by 11 votes.

2023: Seward’s special election to sell their city-owned utility to HEA failed by 7 votes.

What can you do to promote this election and future elections?

Take another person with you to the polls: a family member, neighbor, coworker or person who may need a ride. If possible, take your child to the polling station. (My parents would take me out of school to watch them vote — yes, I had to come back — but it was a great civic lesson.)

Post on social media that you voted.

If voting absentee or another method, explain to family members what you are doing so they can observe.

Talk to your friends, coworkers and family members about this election.

After you vote, go treat yourself to something special.

Your voice matters and your vote counts!

Voter pamphlets for the Oct. 1 election are available at city halls and the borough building. The voter pamphlet is online at https://www.kpb.us/assembly-clerk/elections/election-seats.

For more information, call the borough clerk at 907-714-2160 or contact us at kenaipeninsulavotes@gmail.com.

Kenai Peninsula Votes is a nonpartisan, grassroots citizen group dedicated to promoting voter education.