Residents of Adak, Alaska, continue a unique tradition of being the last Americans to cast an in-person ballot for the presidential election. Adak, located on a desolate slab of island tundra in western Alaska, became the last voting precinct in the nation due to the addition of in-person voting in 2012. The polls in Adak close at 1 a.m. on the East Coast, making it the westernmost community in the United States to participate in the election process. While the election outcome is usually known before Adak’s polls close, the residents still cherish the tradition and enjoy the process.
In the 2012 election, Mary Nelson from Adak became the first last voter in a presidential election. She recalled the moment she cast her ballot just before the poll closing time and was celebrated as the last voter by the city manager. Adak’s unique position as the westernmost community to vote in the U.S. election makes it a significant event for its residents. Despite its remote location, Adak has historical significance as a former World War II military base and naval station, attracting notable figures such as writers, boxing champions, and Hollywood stars.
While there are U.S. territories farther west than Alaska, the Electoral College does not allow residents in Guam, the northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands to vote for president. Adak Island’s historical importance dates back to World War II when it served as a pivotal base for military operations. After the war, the island was transferred between different branches of the military before eventually closing in 1997. Today, Adak faces challenges with a declining population, lack of economic opportunities, and the closure of essential services like its school and fish processing plant.
With the 2020 Census reporting only 171 residents on Adak Island, the city is grappling with a dwindling population that now likely stands below 50 full-time residents. The closure of the school in 2023 due to a lack of students highlights the challenges faced by remote communities like Adak. Despite the struggles, the residents remain hopeful for the future and are eager for any opportunities that may help revitalize their town. The potential return of military presence to Adak is a shared goal among the residents, symbolizing a hope for economic growth and stability.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Adak City Clerk Jana Lekanoff anticipates another round of the last voter tradition, wondering who will be the last individual to cast their ballot in the small Alaskan community. Despite the hardships faced by Adak, the residents continue to take pride in their unique place in American electoral history. The tradition of being the last voting precinct in the nation symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the community, reflecting their commitment to participating in the democratic process regardless of their remote location.
