Inmate’s Political Ambition Ignites Controversy on Voting Rights and Prison Reform

A man currently serving a 20-year prison sentence has remarkably secured a spot on the ballot for a U.S. House of Representatives seat.

At a Glance

Eric Hafner is running for a U.S. House seat from Alaska while serving a 20-year sentence.
Hafner was convicted for making threats to kill judges and police officers.
He originally finished sixth in Alaska’s ranked-choice primary.
Hafner has previously run unsuccessfully for Congress in other states.

Unprecedented Candidacy

Eric Hafner, currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in New York, has secured a spot on the ballot for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat in the 2024 election. Hafner was convicted in 2022 for making threats to kill judges, police officers, and others. He is incarcerated in Otisville, New York, with a release date in 2036.

The state’s unique ranked-choice voting system initially saw Hafner finishing sixth in the primary, which typically advances the top four vote-getters to the general election. However, the election took an unexpected turn when Republican candidate Matthew Salisbury and Republican Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom withdrew, allowing Hafner’s name to appear on the November ballot.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Hafner’s candidacy raises substantial legal and ethical questions. Alaska has no state laws prohibiting felons from running in elections, making it legally permissible for Hafner to seek office. However, state law requires a U.S. representative to reside in Alaska, a condition Hafner will likely be unable to meet.

This situation ignites critical discussions on the balance between legal frameworks, penal system reform, and democratic rights. Hafner’s bio on the website for Alaska Division of Elections reads, “America is at a crossroads that has ripped the heart of our country. Never before have we been so polarized.”

Hafner has a history of unsuccessful campaigns. He has previously run for congressional seats in Hawaii and Oregon and filed numerous unsuccessful federal lawsuits claiming to be a candidate in other states. This long list of failed attempts suggests Hafner may be more interested in making a statement than winning an election.

Election Dynamics

The general election ballot now includes several notable candidates: Alaskan Independence Party chairman John Wayne Howe, Democratic Representative Mary Peltola, and Republican Nick Begich. Peltola secured the most votes in the August 20 primary, with Begich and Dahlstrom trailing behind. Hafner, who received only 0.43 percent of the vote in the primary, has no apparent ties to Alaska.

The Associated Press noted that “There are no state laws prohibiting felons from running for election in Alaska, which means both Hafner and Trump will have a place on the ballot.”

This unique situation underscores a pivotal moment for reflecting on the inclusivity and elasticity of our democratic processes. The discussion has prompted society to re-examine the intersection of justice system reform, rehabilitation opportunities, and democratic participation.

Moving Forward

Hafner’s bio on the Alaska Division of Elections emphasizes the need for civility and avoiding war. Despite his criminal past, his message resonates with voters disillusioned with the current political climate. “My class exposure to ‘History of WWII’ taught me…that war is to be avoided at all costs,” Hafner’s statement in his biography reads.

“My class exposure to ‘History of WWII’ taught me firsthand, hearing our veterans tell personal stories of sacrifice and horror, that war is to be avoided at all costs—not only for our valiant soldiers who selflessly gave their lives but for all families that are innocent bystanders to horror.”

As we approach the election, Alaskans, and indeed the nation, will be watching this race closely. The outcome may well reshape our understanding of who should be allowed to participate in our democracy, regardless of their past.