At 91-years-old, Hannah Takak has spent decades helping residents of Shaktoolik take part in local and statewide elections. After years of serving as an election judge, including as chairperson, Takak says she might finally step away from the work.
But she has one message for younger generations: Vote.
“I work for many years, and right now it might be my last. So good luck to you, young people, and vote. Put, good, good governance for Alaska,” Takak said.
Takak said she has worked elections for so many years that she has lost track of exactly how long it has been. Over the years, she has held different responsibilities, including serving as chairperson and helping oversee election operations.
When asked about retiring, Takak acknowledged that she is getting older.
"I'm getting a little bit old. Maybe this is my last time," she said.
Takak said elections are important because they give people the opportunity to choose who represents their villages and the state of Alaska.
Her work also extends beyond the responsibilities of election judge. Takak speaks Inupiaq and can serve as an interpreter at the polls to help voters who need language assistance.
Takak also reflected on the declining number of Inupiaq-speaking elders in the community. She said younger generations rarely speak the language and emphasized the importance of keeping it alive.
Shaktoolik City Clerk Isabelle Jackson said Takak has been an important part of the election team for many years.
"It's very awesome to have a precious elder," Jackson said.
Jackson said the village relies on a team of four election workers who prepare the polling place the night before Election Day. The city also works to make voting accessible for elders who cannot travel to the polls by offering transportation or visiting them in person.
The village used flyers to remind residents about Election Day. Jackson said there were no major changes to polling operations following high turnout in the primary.
As Takak considers whether this will be her final election, she hopes younger generations step up and take over the work.
