Election FAQ

Elections - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of the next regular city election?

• The next regular city election will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The Polling Place is City Hall, 43 Raven Way. Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm. Elections are administered by the City Clerk in accordance with Unalaska Municipal Code, Title 4, Elections.

What seats will be on the ballot in 2024?

• City Council Seat F, presently held by Alejandro "Bong" Tungul, for a 3-year term expiring October 2027
• City Council Seat G, presently held by Shari Coleman, for a 3-year term expiring October 2027

• School Board Seat A, presently held by Kerry Mahoney, for a 3-year term expiring October 2027

Are there any other ballot measures this year?

• Too soon to know.

How do I know if I am qualified to run for elected office?

• A person is eligible to run for the elected office of Mayor or Council Member if the person is a qualified voter in the city and has resided within the city for a period of no less than twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the time of submission of declaration of candidacy. (Note: Seat A for Mayor is not up for election in 2024.)
• A person is eligible to run for the elected office of School Board Member if the person is a qualified voter in the city and has resided within the city for a period of not less than 30 days immediately preceding the time of submission of declaration of candidacy.

When is the candidate filing period?

• The 2024 Candidate Filing Period is July 18, 2024 through August 17, 2024.

How do I file for office?

• Persons seeking elective office may obtain candidacy packets from the City Clerk during the candidate filing period. Candidacy packets are available during the filing period only. Completed candidacy forms are due to the City Clerk no later than the close of the filing period. If a candidate chooses to withdraw from candidacy, the withdrawal must be submitted, in writing, to the City Clerk within the 24-hour period immediately following the final hour of the last day of the filing period.

Are candidacy forms available for pick up prior to the opening of the filing period?

• No, they are not.  However, a sample candidacy form is available upon request at any time. You may contact the City Clerk to obtain a copy.

Do I have to file a candidacy form for a specific seat?

• Yes, you do. A candidate for office must file a nominating petition for the specific seat he or she is seeking. If the candidate chooses to run for a different seat, a new nominating petition for that seat must be filed with the Clerk and may not be substituted for another seat.

In addition to a candidacy form, what other information is due when I file for elected office?

• Public Officials Financial Disclosure Statement: The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) requires that a candidate filing for an elective office, file a Public Officials Financial Disclosure Statement with the Office of the City Clerk.  A candidate shall file with the City Clerk a Financial Disclosure Statement in accordance with AS 39.50 at the time the candidate files their nominating petition. If elected to office, you are required to file a financial disclosure statement on an annual basis. In addition, you are required to file a final statement within 90 days of leaving office. This document is a public record and is available for public inspection through the Office of the City Clerk. (Public Officials Financial Disclosure Statement materials are available for pick up prior to the filing period.) Incumbents filing for re-election are not required to file a financial disclosure statement if one is currently on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
• Campaign Disclosure: As a candidate for office, Alaska law may require you to file campaign disclosure reports. Please work directly with APOC to ensure campaign disclosure requirements are met. If you do not file the required reporting information, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Contact APOC directly with questions on reporting requirements at 1.800.478.4176.
• Municipal Exemption Statement: If you are a candidate for municipal office and you believe that your campaign will not raise or spend more than $5,000, including personal money, during the entire municipal election, you should consider filing an Exemption Statement.
• Authorization for Ballot Order: If more than one candidate files for a particular seat, you will be contacted after the filing deadline to draw numbers to determine the order in which your names will appear on the ballot.  You may designate the City Clerk's Office to draw for you by signing and submitting this form with your candidacy forms.