Election 2025

Proponents of the change say it would boost voter turnout in local elections, which consistently trails behind turnout in state and federal elections. But some city officials say the logistics of running elections concurrently would be challenging and expensive.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough already uses paper ballots. But it uses electronic tabulators to tally results. The borough added electronic voting machines to its fleet a few years ago for voters with special needs.

Analysis from the borough’s finance department says the change could generate up to half a million more dollars in sales tax revenue each year.

If the ballot measure passes, residents in the new service area would pay more in property taxes each year to fund recreation services, with an emphasis on the pool at the K-12 school.

This year, seats are open on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education and city councils.

By giving his resignation notice now, Baisden ensures his assembly seat will appear on the next municipal ballot.