Ballot Measure 2: Repealing Ranked-Choice Voting
Perhaps the most significant and debated issue on the ballot is a proposal to overhaul Alaska's entire election system. A 'yes' vote on this measure would eliminate the open top-four primary and ranked-choice voting system that was narrowly approved by voters in 2020. In its place, the state would return to a partisan primary system, where voters must affiliate with a party to vote in that party's primary. The general election would revert to a 'winner-take-all' plurality system, where voters choose only one candidate. Proponents argue this returns the system to a more traditional and understandable format, giving political parties a clearer role in selecting nominees. Opponents of the measure contend that ranked-choice voting encourages civility,
reduces political extremism, and better reflects the will of the voters by ensuring the winner has broader support. This is the second time this issue has come before voters; a similar repeal effort failed by a razor-thin margin in 2024.
What Measure 2 Also Changes
Beyond the voting method, this initiative would also repeal certain campaign finance provisions established in 2020. These include disclosure rules for digital ads and out-of-state donations. Furthermore, the measure would change how gubernatorial tickets are formed. Currently, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run as a team. This measure would have them run separately in the primaries before joining forces for the general election. Supporters believe this gives voters more distinct choices, while critics worry it could lead to mismatched and dysfunctional executive teams. The breadth of this measure means a single 'yes' or 'no' vote will have wide-ranging consequences for how Alaska's political campaigns and elections are conducted.
Ballot Measure 3: The Citizenship Voting Requirement
This initiative proposes a change to the wording of Alaska's law on voter eligibility. A 'yes' vote supports amending the statute to state that 'Only a person who is a citizen of the United States' may vote in state and local elections. Currently, the law states that a person 'may vote' if they are a U.S. citizen, among other requirements. While federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, supporters of this measure say it is a necessary clarification to prevent any future local policies from allowing noncitizen voting in municipal races. Opponents argue the measure is symbolic and unnecessary, as no jurisdiction in Alaska currently permits noncitizens to vote, and the existing language is already clear. This initiative is part of a national trend, with similar measures appearing on ballots in several other states for the 2026 election.
Ballot Measure 1: New Campaign Contribution Limits
This measure, which voters actually decided on during the August 2026 primary, establishes new limits on campaign contributions for state and local elections. It passed with overwhelming support. The citizen-led initiative was created to restore campaign finance rules after a 2021 court decision struck down previous limits. The new law sets ceilings on how much an individual or group can donate to a candidate's campaign or a political party. Proponents argued that these limits are crucial for curbing the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in Alaska's politics, making elections fairer and more transparent. Opponents of such limits generally argue they can restrict free speech and are not always effective at reducing the overall flow of money into politics. Though already passed, its implementation will shape the financial landscape of all future state and local campaigns, including those happening this November.
