Adak, Alaska: Tiny island keeps unique voting tradition alive

In the far-flung reaches of Alaska‚ Adak Island (a speck of land closer to Russia than to mainland Alaska) keeps up an unusual electoral custom. Since 2012 its been the spot where the final in-person vote for U.S president is cast

The islands city manager Layton Lockett notes “People have a little bit of fun on that day because‚ I mean realistically everybody knows the elections decided way before were closed‚ But‚ you know its still fun.“ When Adak finishes voting‚ the East Coast clocks show 1 am

Adaks history is tied to World War II. The U.S. set up shop there after Japanese forces grabbed islands further west. At its peak‚ 27000 troops gathered on Adak to retake nearby Attu Island. Famous folks like writers Dashiell Hammett and Gore Vidal spent time there – even President Franklin Roosevelt dropped by

Today‚ Adak faces tough times. Its population has shrunk from 6000 when the base was active to under 50 now. The local school shut down last year due to lack of students. The islands fish plant opens and closes unpredictably

Despite these hurdles Adak clings to its voting tradition. City Clerk Jana Lekanoff wonders “Im not sure who the last voter will be this year‚ Maybe itll be a bit of a competition?“

Lockett says residents unite around one hope: that someone in power will “encourage the military to come back to Adak in some way shape or form.“ He adds‚ “Were kind of in that great midst of‚ whats next for Adak because were struggling“

As the 2024 election nears‚ this tiny Alaskan outpost – though facing an uncertain future – prepares once again to play its unique role in American democracy