Adak Island: A Unique Voting Tradition
A resident of a remote island closer to Russia than America will be the last person to vote in the elections following a decade-old tradition. Adak Island, located near Alaska, holds the honor of having the last voter in the nation due to a shift in voting methods during the 2012 election.
Mary Nelson: The First Last Voter
In 2012, Mary Nelson became the first last voter in a presidential election. Nelson, a former poll worker in Adak, shared her experience of casting her vote just before the poll closing time, not knowing the election results until the next morning.
Historical Significance of Adak Island
Adak Island holds historical significance for its role in World War II, serving as a key location for the U.S. military. After the war, the island saw a significant decrease in population, with the 2020 Census counting only 171 residents, likely now below 50 full-time residents.
Political Unity on Adak Island
In the realm of politics, Adak Island residents share a common goal of potentially encouraging the military to return to the island. City manager Layton Lockett mentions the community's shared struggle and the ongoing question of what the future holds for Adak.
