Alaska’s Voting System Faces a New Challenge

Republican candidates for statewide office echoed Trump’s criticism, while many other officials—including Senator Lisa Murkowski, former Representative Mary Peltola and most sitting legislators—back the current system. Alaska voters approved ranked‑choice voting in 2020 along with open primaries and stricter campaign finance rules. Under ranked choice, voters rank candidates; if no one gets a majority of first‑choice votes, the lowest candidate is eliminated and votes are redistributed until someone crosses 50%.

Supporters argue the system promotes moderate, consensus candidates, whereas opponents say it is too complex. If the 2026 repeal passes, Alaska would lose ranked choice voting, open primaries and the toughest campaign finance disclosure laws in the country. A group called Alaska for Better Elections is campaigning to keep the system, citing its role in fostering bipartisan cooperation. Executive Director Juli Lucky emphasized that Alaskans created the system and will decide its future.