Senator Lisa Murkowski Urges Alaskans To Participate in Politics
by pedro graterol
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski urges civic engagement and respectful dialogue to strengthen democracy across the state and nation.
In an era of political division and growing public cynicism, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski reminds Alaskans to see their participation as both vital and impactful. In a recent interview with Sol de Medianoche News, the Senator highlighted the importance of an active citizenry: “It is essential for Alaskans to participate in politics and be engaged in their communities because it informs their leaders at every level.” Without an active citizenry, she warned, “elected officials assume their constituents are content with how things are going.”
However, for many Alaskans, there’s a wide variety of obstacles that keep them from participating and making a mark on their community. Murkowski recognized this and emphasized one of those barriers, the lack of political efficacy, or the feeling that individual actions are not enough. “A substantial barrier for Alaskans is the belief that their actions don’t amount to anything, that their voices don’t matter,” she noted. But the senator stressed otherwise: “Our democracy was constructed to give a voice to each American.” She emphasized that her office listens to every voicemail and reads every letter, adding, “Your actions matter, and I do everything I can to amplify the voices of Alaskans here in D.C.”
Murkowski’s belief in grassroots involvement is rooted in personal experience. Before joining the U.S. Senate, she was civically engaged at home, from serving as president of her children’s PTA to representing Alaskans in the state legislature. “Regardless of your level of service, it’s important to be engaged in your community,” she said. “There are incredibly consequential decisions made at every level of government, and your voice can make a difference.”
Nevertheless, in the face of an increasingly polarized national environment, Murkowski calls for a return to civility and understanding. “It is okay to disagree with other views but try to understand where they may be coming from,” she advised. “Simple gestures of kindness and compassion can go a long way in building relationships.”
In addition, Murkowski is optimistic about the future, especially because of some of the latest innovations in the state’s political system. For instance, she believes that the state’s open primaries foster consensus and broader representation: “It grants voters more autonomy, encourages candidates to talk with all Alaskans, and when those candidates become lawmakers, they must work together to build consensus.” She also finds hope in the next generation. “As I meet with young Alaskans across the state and engage on matters important to them, they are interested, involved, and give me hope for Alaska’s future,” Murkowski said. In short, her message to all Alaskans is clear: your voice matters, and it’s very important to use it.
