Northwest Arctic residents embark on voter education mission by snowmachine

Group plans to travel over 600 miles to dozens of remote villages across Western Alaska to educate rural residents about voting.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A group of four residents from the Northwest Arctic region of Alaska are embarking on a monthlong voter education mission by snowmachine. The group, led by Aucha Kameroff, plans to travel over 600 miles to dozens of remote villages across Western Alaska to educate rural residents about voting, including giving presentations in local schools. The trip is funded in part by nonpartisan organizations Get Out the Native Vote and the Rural Mobilization Center. While the focus is on voter education and advocacy, the group also sees the trip as a way to process grief, with two of the travelers recently losing close family members.

Why it matters

Voter turnout in Northwest Alaska has declined from historic highs decades ago, with just over 30% of registered voters participating in the 2024 presidential election. This voter education mission aims to 'tuupaq' or 'wake up' the region's residents to the importance of exercising their right to vote and making their voices heard.

The details

The group initially planned to depart from Kotzebue, but back-to-back snowstorms and mechanical issues forced them to return after about 80 miles. They now plan to fly to Emmonak, pick up snowmachines, and travel to villages from there. The communities they plan to visit are not connected by roads, so traveling by snowmachine will make it easier to connect with residents. The group will give presentations in local schools to educate high school seniors and community members about the issues, who is on the ballot, and how to register to vote.

  • The group initially planned to depart from Kotzebue on February 12, 2026.
  • After the initial setback, the group plans to arrive in Emmonak as early as February 27, 2026.

The players

Rusty Dimmick

A preacher from Kotzebue who was present for the group's send-off prayer.

Aucha Kameroff

The leader of the group and a resident of the Northwest Arctic region.

Arthur Richards Sr.

A member of the group who recently lost his wife to cancer and is looking forward to the trip to 'get his mind clear'.

Raymond Brown Jr.

A member of the group whose brother, Elmer Brown, died in November after falling through thin ice near Kotzebue.

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What they’re saying

“Our people need to be heard in their voice. One of the voices that we have as people in rural Alaska, or any place, is by voting.”

— Aucha Kameroff, Group leader

“It's so important for our peoples to carry on what our peoples before us started. So we need to tuupaq — that means 'wake it up' — and really look at what's going on so that we can make an impact.”

— Aucha Kameroff, Group leader

“It's for me to be out there in the country where I love to be and get my mind clear.”

— Arthur Richards Sr., Group member

“It's really gonna give me fresh air. It's going to be awesome.”

— Raymond Brown Jr., Group member

What’s next

The group plans to give their first presentations in Emmonak. From there, they'll head inland, visiting villages as far up the Yukon River as Pilot Station. Then they'll head down to Nunam Iqua before flying back to Kotzebue. After that, they plan to visit all 10 of the Northwest Arctic villages.

The takeaway

This voter education mission by snowmachine highlights the dedication of Northwest Arctic residents to engage their communities in the democratic process, even in the face of logistical challenges. By meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively, the group aims to empower rural Alaskans to make their voices heard through voting.