Daily Sitka Sentinel

June 25, 2020, Community Happenings

Online Absentee

Ballot Application

System Available

A new online absentee ballot application system has been implemented by the state Division of Elections.

As of today, those who choose to vote by mail can apply on the website: https://absenteeballotapplication.alaska.gov/ instead of mailing, emailing or faxing their application to DOE.

Alaska voters in the past have had the choice to vote absentee by mail. The new application process will be ‘‘easier and faster for those who wish to apply,’’ the state said in a press release today.

Once an online application is submitted, following review by DOE, the voter will be scheduled to receive a ballot.

To use the new system, voters must have a valid and current Alaska driver’s license or state ID card.

The new system will also allow voters to register to vote or update their voter registration while simultaneously requesting a by-mail ballot.

Voters may apply for all elections in a calendar year on a single application. Applications for a by-mail ballot must be received no later than 10 days before Election Day.

If a voter is unsure if they have already applied, they can check the status of their application and ballot at https://myvoterinformation.alaska.gov/.

Contact the Absentee and Petition Office at (907)270-2700 or akabsentee@alaska.gov if help is needed.

Older Car Parade

Slated for July 4

A group with older cars is planning a parade through various neighborhoods on July 4.

The parade of cars will meet at Whale Park at 1 p.m. and motor to Jeff Davis Street, take a right on Lincoln Street, a right on Lake Street to Peterson, then on to Edgecumbe Drive, down Charteris Street, a right on Halibut Point Road out to Starrigavan, and then back to town via HPR up to the Long-Term Care site at the old Sitka Community Hospital, and down Katlian Street to Lincoln Street where the vehicles will stop at Centennial Hall.

‘‘Our plan is to go through the neighborhoods to give Sitkans a chance to come out, show their spark, and enjoy a parade,’’ Jeff Budd, one of the organizers, said.

Those with questions may call Budd at 747-4821.

Community Center

Work Group Meets

The Sitka Community Center working group will hold a Zoom meeting 6:30 p.m. June 29 to discuss the proposed center intended to provide food, shelter and services to those affected by the pandemic.

All are welcome to attend and should email karenjeanlucas@yahoo.com for a link to the meeting. 

Guided Tidepool

Walks Offered

Summer guided tidepool walks are being offered by the Sitka Sound Science Center.

SSSC aquarium staff will lead the walks, which meet in front of the Mill Building and, after a brief intertidal overview, head to the beach next to the Science Center. 

Walks last about an hour. Because of COVID-19, staff is asking anyone over the age of 5 to wear a face covering, and to maintain social distance from other groups.

July dates and times are 8:30 a.m. July 6, 9 a.m. July 7, 9 a.m. July 22, 9 a.m. July 23 and 10:30 a.m. July 25. Pre-booking is required and space is limited.

Registration is available at the website, https://sitkascience.org/. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.