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Those who support the ballot measure say it is the only thing standing between mining pollution and the abundant salmon of Bristol Bay.
"They will have huge significant impact on the salmon in Bristol Bay even if its expertly managed, which there is nothing in their record to say that it will be," said Bruce Switzer with Alaskans For Clean Water.
But those against Ballot Measure 4 say the initiative isn't designed to protect Bristol Bay. They say it aims to hurt the entire mining industry.
"People's jobs are threatened, their livelihoods are threatened it will have a serious economic impact,"
The group says if Ballot Measure 4 passes, it would create unattainable environmental laws, and make it nearly impossible for the mines in Alaska to operate.
"The yes vote has been saying this is just about the Pebble Mine, but its not, it can't be," said Lyford, "The state constitution prohibits what you'd call special or local legislation, so it cannot be about one mine, it has to be about all mines."
But those for Measure 4 say the ballot measure will not affect other mines, because they have already been permitted under stricter mining regulations.
"It does not shut down mining" said Switzer, "They won't say that, they have not said that, because they know they could do it with the prohibition in place, because they did it before when it was in place."
The two sides have spent big bucks to tell Alaskan voters their side of the story. But, perhaps the most intriguing thing is where the money is coming from. To date, Alaskans for Clean Water, the proponents of Ballot Measure 4, have spent
"There is money from a foundation, a substantial amount of money from a foundation, Trout Unlimited has kicked in some money, which is a national organization. Then a couple of wealthy Alaskan sponsors have contributed money to this, and we had a lot of $100, $50 contributions from other Alaskans," said Switzer.
The group against it, Alaskans Against The Mining Shutdown, has spent $6.9 million to try to get your vote. The bulk of that money has come from the mining industry, most of which has global interests.
"We have said right out the box that we are going to be an industry funded campaign," said
It all adds up to more than $10 million both sides have spent on commercials, trips around Alaska and other propaganda to win votes. Now, each Alaskan will have to decide which side they want to believe.
To contact Andrea, call 907-273-3186.
