Dear Friends,

As we approach Election Day with the noble intent to vote for the best candidates, it can sometimes be difficult to choose. This is the time politicians will make promises, kiss babies and list every good deed done, in search of votes. We have become so accustomed to this cycle of lofty speeches and broken promises that we can lose sight of the power of our vote and the principle of good governance.

Some would lead you to believe that the sum total of true representation is lawmakers voting yes to every bloated budget with hopes of bringing home some bacon. Our district has had lawmakers who held the highest levels of leadership in a binding caucus who agreed to budgets that led to slashed dividends, drained savings accounts and rotting roads. Did you feel represented? Were you pleased with the outcome of those budgetary decisions?

I firmly believe Article 1. Section 2. of the Alaska constitution that affirms “All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only,…” This guiding principle directs me to represent your voice, and your vote, not the vote of a binding caucus or special interests.

The binding caucus is an unwritten policy in the Alaska Legislature that binds a member’s vote to a predetermined outcome that drowns the voice of a district. Most states have outlawed the binding caucus because it involves bribery and coercion. In fact, Alaska is the only state still utilizing this tyrannical practice that is largely responsible for boondoggle projects and depleted savings accounts.

In 2018 and again in 2020, our district spoke out against their representative selling out for power, and instead chose principled leadership who would pursue doing the will of the people. Good governance is doing what is just and right for the people regardless of the circumstances. People are yearning for principled leadership they can count on year after year, vote after vote.

A wise man taught me that the purpose of power and authority is to preserve and protect the principle of freedom. The responsibility of a legislator is it to govern justly for the benefit of the people, and that what I seek to do day after day.

My record proves that I stand with my constituency and the people of Alaska. It is with a passion to preserve liberty that I continue serving you. I am running for re-election to the Alaska State House to continue the work I was elected to do; to fight for the will of the people, follow the law and seek justice for our most vulnerable. The choice is clear; return to failed policies of the past or continue advancing Alaska. My name is Sarah Vance and I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 8th.