Important Dates and Election Info
Here’s what you need to know if you’re voting in Alaska:
- State primary: Tuesday, Aug. 20
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting in Alaska
What to Know About Recent Changes
Alaska made some changes to how voting works starting in 2022. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Alaska now uses a nonpartisan top-four primary system and a ranked-choice voting system for the general election.
- In 2022, some state legislative district boundaries changed. These changes will stick until the next census.
How Alaska’s Ranked-Choice Voting Works
Alaska’s voting system is a bit different from most states. Here’s how it works:
- State Primary Elections: Alaska uses a nonpartisan top-four primary system. This means all candidates, regardless of party, are on the same ballot. You pick one candidate per race. The top four candidates in each race move on to the general election.
- General Elections: Alaska uses ranked-choice voting. On Election Day, you’ll get a ballot where you can rank the candidates in order of preference. If a candidate gets more than 50% of the first-choice votes, they win. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes go to the second-choice candidate. This process repeats until someone gets over 50% or only two candidates are left, with the one having the most votes winning.
For more details on ranked-choice voting, you can check out the Division of Elections website.
How to Register to Vote
In Alaska, you’re automatically registered to vote when you apply for a Permanent Fund Dividend unless you choose to opt out. You need to be registered 30 days before state and general primary elections.
Here’s how to register:
- Online: Use the state’s online voter registration system. You’ll need a valid Alaska driver’s license or ID card.
- By Email, Mail, or Fax: Print out a voter registration application, fill it out, and send it to a Division of Elections office. You can find the form here.
- In Person: You can register at any Division of Elections office, DMV office, public library, or public assistance agency.
If it’s your first time registering by email, mail, fax, or in person, you’ll need to show a valid ID like an Alaska driver’s license, ID card, passport, or another form of photo ID. You’ll also need to provide your driver’s license number, ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
You can apply for an absentee ballot starting January 1 each year. Applications must be received at least 10 days before the election.
Here’s how to request an absentee ballot:
- By Mail: Download the application, fill it out, and mail it to the Absentee and Petition Office. You can also request an application to be mailed to you by calling 907-270-2700 or emailing [email protected].
- By Email: Send your completed application as a PDF, TIFF, or JPEG file to [email protected].
- By Fax: Fax your completed application to 907-677-9943 or 855-677-9943 (toll-free within the U.S.).
- In Person: Drop off your application at the Absentee and Petition Office or any Division of Elections office.
Ballots start being mailed out about 25 days before Election Day. If you’re in the military or live overseas, your ballot might be mailed out as early as 45 days before Election Day.
If you prefer, you can request your absentee ballot to be faxed or sent electronically. Just note that you’ll need to use a different application form for this, which is available 15 days before Election Day. If you choose this option, your ballot will be sent to you 24 to 48 hours after your application is received.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Once you’ve filled out your absentee ballot, you can return it by mail, in person, or by fax.
- By Mail: Use the return address provided with your ballot. Make sure it’s postmarked on or before Election Day.
- In Person: Drop it off at any Division of Elections office or voting location by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- By Fax: If you requested a faxed or electronically delivered absentee ballot, you can fax your completed ballot to the number provided with your ballot before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Remember, your absentee ballot needs to have a witness signature and include at least one voter identifier, like your voter registration number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or your Alaska driver’s license number.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
All registered voters in Alaska can choose to vote early. Absentee in-person and early voting locations open 15 days before Election Day. You can find the nearest location on the Division of Elections website. The ID rules for voting on Election Day also apply to voting early.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
To find your polling place, use the online tool provided by the Division of Elections. When you go to vote, bring an acceptable form of photo ID, like a voter ID card, driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or hunting or fishing license. If you don’t have one of these, you can bring a utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, or other government-issued document.
If you don’t have ID or there’s an issue with your registration, you might need to fill out a questioned ballot. These ballots are reviewed later to determine if they can be counted.
Voting with a Disability
Alaska makes sure that voting is accessible to everyone. Every polling place has magnifying viewers and voting tablets with magnified text and audio options. If you need help filling out your ballot, you can ask an election official or bring someone with you (just not a candidate, employer, or union representative).
If you can’t get to a polling place because of age, illness, or disability, you can have someone pick up and deliver your ballot. They can do this starting 15 days before Election Day. For more information, contact your local Division of Elections office.
