Did you know that last year Haines Borough voters turned out some of the highest numbers of any community in Alaska during the 2019 municipal election? 48% of registered voters cast ballots in 2019 compared to the 39% voter turnout in 2018. It is crucial for every resident to vote in this year’s municipal election. Here’s why:
The Haines economy is reeling from travel restrictions and the border closure, low fish numbers and prices, the high cost of living, high unemployment, and more. COVID-19 and low oil prices are both negatively impacting state and local government revenue sources. Tourism businesses across the Southeast region reported that their 2020 revenue was down by 83% over 2019. We must look beyond tourism, our largest economic driver, that has been decimated by COVID-19 and expand opportunities in Haines for economic development.
It is crucial for every resident to vote because it is crucial that you have a voice in how we rebuild and expand our local economy during this economic hardship. You decide our future. Please vote Oct. 6.
Tracey Harmon
Executive Director
Haines Chamber of Commerce