The League of Women Voters Anchorage is organizing a Democracy Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali Street.
The fair is open to all ages and is a free event.
The public is welcome, emphasized board vice president Shirley Pittz. “We’re hoping that they come and they keep an open mind, and that they think about democracy more deeply than they do on a normal basis, about what it takes to keep a democracy strong and vibrant.”
The League of Women Voters Anchorage celebrated its 75th anniversary in November 2025. The League of Women Voters of Anchorage is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The fair agenda:
11-11:15 a.m.: Democracy Fair Opening
Opening/Welcome
Video: History of the League of Women Voters of Anchorage
11:15 a.m.-noon: Democracy and the Constitution - Susan Orlansky; Mara Kimmel, Executive Director, ACLU; Mark Begich, Businessman & Former Public Servant
What is democracy and why is civic engagement foundational?
What is the U.S. constitution, how is it changed, and how does it interact with the Alaska Constitution?
What lessons can be gleaned from service as a mayor and a U.S. Senator?
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Local Government 101 - Clare Ross, Legislative Services Director and Barbara Jones, Deputy Chief of Staff, MOA
Learn more about how your local government works and how you can get involved.
12:45-1:30 p.m.: Break- Visit exhibits, View film
1:30-2:15 p.m.: Judicial System - Eric Smith, Retired Superior Court Judge; Marla N. Greenstein, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct
What are the different legal systems operating in Alaska? How do those systems interrelate?
How are judges selected in Alaska? How is Alaska’s judicial selection process different from that of other states and the federal system?
What ethical standards and requirements apply to Alaska judges? How does that system differ from other states and the U.S. Supreme Court?
2:15-3 p.m.: Media Literacy – First Amendment lawyer John McKay, Joy Mapaye, Ph.D., UAA; and Evan Leaf, UAA student, young voter
What does the First Amendment actually protect?
In this era of mis-information, how can people navigate and decipher political and cultural messaging? How do they know what to trust?
Level 2, MOOSE ROOM
12:00 & 1:00 - Showing of film “The Officials” A behind-the-scenes look at a politically diverse group of election officials who, despite facing increased threats, harassment and intimidation, remain committed to serving their communities by running secure elections and ensuring every eligible vote is counted accurately. The film is 26 minutes long and will be followed by a discussion with municipal Election Administrator, Elizabeth Edwards.
Level 3
ALL DAY- Alaska Suffrage Star Exhibit: This exhibit introduces some extraordinary Alaska women who fought for voting rights in the early 1900s.
Level 4, LEARNING COMMONS
Booth exhibitors, including the Alaska World Affairs Council, Youth Vote, The Alaska Press Club/Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism, the Disability Law Center and many others.
