Alaska voters reject repeal, choose to keep ranked choice voting system
Alaska voters rejected a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting for the second time in three elections, with early results showing 52% opposing the repeal measure compared to 48% supporting it. The state has used ranked choice voting since 2022, after adopting it in 2020. Under the system, voters rank candidates by preference, and if no candidate wins over 50 percent of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their supporters' votes redistributed based on second choices until someone reaches a majority. This year's November 3rd election included competitive races for governor and U.S. Senate. Republicans including President Trump heavily criticized the system before the election, while supporters argued it promotes bipartisanship and prevents spoiler effects. Alaska and Maine are the only states using ranked choice voting statewide.
Key facts
- Alaska voters rejected Ballot Measure 2 repeal with 52-53 percent voting against repeal and 46-48 percent supporting it
- This is the third vote on ranked choice voting in six years: voters approved it in 2020, narrowly rejected repeal in 2024 by 743 votes, and rejected repeal again in 2026
- Alaska and Maine are the only two states using ranked choice voting for statewide elections
- Alaska uses open top-four primaries where all candidates run together regardless of party, with the top four advancing to the general election
- Under Alaska's system, 84 percent of voters say ranked choice voting is simple to understand
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive voices highlight ranked choice voting's role in producing more diverse legislatures and bipartisan cooperation. They argue the system has enabled cross-party coalition governments, prevented spoiler effects that minor candidates could create, and reduced polarization by rewarding moderate candidates. Supporters note voters find the system simple and appreciate having more choice on their ballots.
Right-leaning coverage: Conservative critics argue ranked choice voting is confusing for voters, prone to manipulation, and weakens the two-party system. They claim it favors moderate and Democratic candidates in a Republican-leaning state, citing Lisa Murkowski's survival of conservative primary challenges. Critics point to controversies like the two Dan Sullivans on the ballot, argue it complicates elections and delays results, and contend it undermines election transparency and traditional primary systems.
Limits of this briefing
Early results show the margin narrowing as mail-in ballots were counted; final certification was pending as of mid-November. Coverage focused heavily on the system's impact on Senate races but less on its effects in legislative races where it has promoted bipartisan coalitions.
Sources
- NBC News: Alaskans opt to stick with ranked choice voting Centre
- The Hill: Alaska voters reject another attempt to repeal ranked-choice voting Centre
- Alaska Public: Alaskans narrowly rejecting repeal of ranked choice voting Centre
- National Review: Ranked-Choice Voting Undermines Election Transparency and America's Two-Party System Right
- FairVote: Alaska Votes for Ranked Choice Voting for the Third Time Left