Whittier, Alaska: A Unique Political Crossroads
Nestled between towering glaciers and the exquisite Prince William Sound, Whittier, Alaska, is a small town with a population of just 260. This isolated community is only accessible by a single road that passes through a long tunnel shared with trains. Most of the town’s residents live in the same 14-story condominium building, making it one of the most compact communities in the United States.
Yet, Whittier has become a significant point of discussion in American politics, especially regarding citizenship and voting rights. Recently, Alaska prosecutors have brought felony charges against 11 residents, mostly members of the same family, for allegedly claiming U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.
The accused were born in American Samoa, a U.S. territory where people do not automatically receive citizenship despite being born on American soil. Instead, they are classified as “U.S. nationals,” granting them certain rights—like obtaining U.S. passports and serving in the military—but not the full rights of citizenship, such as voting in federal elections.
Michael Pese, one of those charged, firmly believes he is American: “I was born an American on U.S. soil… according to the supreme law of the land, that’s my birthright.” His case underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding American Samoans and their voting rights.
Confusion Beyond Alaska
This situation is not isolated to Alaska. Similar confusion has arisen in other states. In Oregon, for example, officials accidentally registered about 200 American Samoan residents to vote when they obtained driver’s licenses. Despite this mix-up, state officials determined that no crimes were committed, as those individuals did not intend to violate the law.
In Hawaii, a woman named Sai Timoteo learned she wasn’t allowed to hold public office after believing she could vote as a U.S. national. She had always checked the box for “U.S. Citizen/U.S. National” on her registration forms.
The Debate Over Birthright Citizenship
The issues surrounding citizenship were further complicated by discussions during President Trump’s administration, which included executive orders aimed at redefining birthright citizenship. While some of these initiatives were blocked in court, the underlying debate continues on whether being born in the U.S. should guarantee citizenship.
The situation in Whittier began with Tupe Smith, Michael Pese’s wife, who ran for a school board seat and won nearly 95% of the vote. Shortly after, state troopers visited her home to inquire about her voting history. Despite believing she was eligible to vote in local races, she was arrested and later released after her husband paid bail, highlighting the complications many American Samoans face due to their unique citizenship status.
Intent vs. Law
As the case unfolds, the focus has turned to whether the residents had the intent to deceive. Smith’s attorney argues that the accusations are targeting “low-hanging fruit” due to a lack of evidence showing that noncitizens frequently participate in elections. Past investigations have found instances of illegal voting to be exceedingly rare.
The conversations surrounding this issue also touch on American Samoa’s colonial past, dating back to the 19th century when the U.S. sought to expand its influence in the South Pacific. While some lawmakers have pushed for automatic citizenship for American Samoans, concerns remain about preserving cultural identity and land rights.
A Lesson in Clarity
As discussions continue, advocates for American Samoans hope for clarity regarding their voting rights, emphasizing that a community-oriented approach is necessary, rather than punitive actions against individuals. The evolving legal environment will continue to test the boundaries of citizenship and voting rights in the United States.
