Early voting in Sitka’s municipal election opened yesterday (9-21-26).
This year, voters will decide a three-way race for mayor, and choose two new assembly members and three school board members. This year’s ballot also includes one proposition. Voters will be asked whether to update the city’s charter to adjust the triggers for a special election.
Currently, if a citizen petition gets enough signatures, it will require a mandatory special election. That’s how Small Town Soul’s citizen initiative to limit cruise visitation went to a special election in May of 2025.
“That was the first time that this provision of the charter had ever been triggered, and I had several questions from the public,” Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson said in an interview on September 18. “I got questions from the assembly. People wanted to know how much a special election is, and so I decided to to to bring the topic forward to the assembly and ultimately the voters.”
Peterson said the new charter language would align with state law and how most other municipalities handle special elections. If voters approve the amendment, it would change how citizen initiatives are handled in the future.
“If the amendment passes, then the initiative or referendum would be placed on that upcoming October ballot,” she said. “And at the same time, when I notify the assembly and say, ‘Hey, we got this. It’s going to go on the October ballot unless the assembly wants to hold a special election before then on the motion.'”
Early, in-person voting is available at Harrigan Centennial Hall on weekdays from 8:30-4:30 and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon through October 5. Sitka’s municipal election is Tuesday, October 6.
KCAW partnered with the Daily Sitka Sentinel this year to produce our election hub, which is now live. There, you’ll find early and absentee voting information, candidates interviews, questionnaires, and forum audio.
