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As voters statewide head to the polls Tuesday, election officials say they are doing so in record numbers.

"Early voting numbers are up higher than they have been in any other primary election," said Gail Fenumiai, the director of the Division of Elections.

For the increasing number of Alaskans casting their ballots, voting is not just a choice to them, but their duty.

"I think it's a obligation, everyone in America should, kind of no way around that," said Michael Clark, an Anchorage resident who voted Tuesday.

"I think it's the one time that you can actually represent your community and state your opinion," said Abigail Scott, another Anchorage resident that voted Tuesday.

In what many consider a historic primary, many voters say that's exactly why you should vote.

"I think there are a lot of important propositions coming up and there has been a lot of controversy," said Elke Thompson. "I think it's important for everybody to get out and put their two cents in and get out there and vote."

"Some of the initiatives put forth warrant my stepping up to the plate as a voter and supporting them," said Peter Lang, an Anchorage resident who voted Tuesday.

"As voters have turned out in mass numbers, folks have shown interest in more than just the candidates. A lot of people have a lot of interest in the four ballot measures," said Fenumiai. "We are seeing an increased request for the ballot measure only ballot this time. That's quite surprising to us."

Election officials say the big increase in voters are actually those who are not even part of a party.

"They are one of our largest pocket of voters: those voters who are registered as undeclared and non-partisan in the state," said Fenumiai.

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As Alaskans face four ballot measures that could impact the future of our state, voters have come out in full force to have their voice heard.

"That is the reason why I took time off of work right now, to make sure that I can get here and cast my vote," said Lang.

Despite the record numbers in voting, some say that everyone that can, should make it a priority to vote in their district.

"They only have 100 or 150 people that come to vote," said Bill Merrill, an election official, "If that is 777 people, and I am just guessing, that's somewhere between five and 10,000 people that live in this district. And that should be a crime."

"If you don't come out to vote, how can you basically determine who you want, as far as candidates and what not," said Scott.

To contact Corey, call 907-273-3186.