Elections in Alaska

From OpenVoteData

Elections in Alaska are a vital component of the state's democratic system, enabling citizens to elect representatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Alaskans vote in elections for the President of the United States, members of Congress, the Governor, the Alaska State Legislature, and numerous local offices. Additionally, Alaska voters participate in referendums and initiatives that shape state and local laws.

Since 2022, Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system for statewise general elections, and a nonpartisan top-four system for primary elections.

The following lists recent statewise elections in Alaska:

Federal Elections

Presidential Elections

Alaska participates in presidential elections every four years, using a winner-takes-all system to allocate its 3 electoral votes based on its congressional representation. Presidential primary elections typically occur in the spring, allowing registered voters to select their preferred candidates for the Democratic and Republican nominations.

Alaska has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections. Since becoming a state in 1959, Alaska has voted for the Republican candidate in every election except for 1964 when it supported Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson.

Congressional Elections

Alaska is represented by two senators in the United States Senate, who serve staggered six-year terms, and one representative in the United States House of Representatives, who serves a two-year term. Congressional elections are conducted during even-numbered years, aligning with presidential and midterm elections.

Alaska's Congressional delegation has been predominantly Republican. Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican, served from 1968 to 2009, making him one of the longest-serving senators in U.S. history. Representative Don Young, also a Republican, served from 1973 until his death in 2022, making him the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives at the time of his death.

State Elections

Gubernatorial Elections

In Alaska, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected every four years, coinciding with the midterm election year. The Governor of Alaska serves a four-year term and may be re-elected consecutively. The Governor's responsibilities include implementing state laws, overseeing the executive branch, and setting legislative priorities. The Lieutenant Governor, elected on the same ticket as the Governor, assists in these duties and is first in the line of succession. Unlike in other states, other executive positions in Alaska, such as the Attorney General are appointed by the governor rather than elected.

Gubernatorial elections in Alaska have seen a mix of Republican and Democratic governors. Notably, independent candidate Bill Walker won the 2014 election, reflecting Alaska's sometimes unpredictable political landscape.

Alaska State Legislature Elections

The Alaska State Legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Legislative elections occur every two years, with both senators and representatives serving two-year terms.

The Alaska State Legislature has experienced fluctuating control between the Republican and Democratic parties. Historically, the Republican Party has often held the majority, but there have been periods of Democratic control and power-sharing agreements.

Local Elections

Local elections in Alaska are critical for the administration and governance of its boroughs, cities, and municipalities. These elections appoint officials responsible for various local functions such as education, law enforcement, public works, and zoning regulations. Local elections in Alaska include those for borough executives, borough assemblies or councils, city mayors, city councils, and other municipal positions.

Borough Elections

Several boroughs in Alaska elect a borough mayor who serves as the chief executive officer of the borough government. The borough mayor is tasked with implementing borough laws, overseeing the operation of borough departments, and preparing the borough budget. Boroughs with elected executives include Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star, and others.

Boroughs in Alaska may have either a borough assembly or a borough council, depending on their form of government. Borough assemblies typically legislate on local matters, approve budgets, and oversee the executive branch's actions. In boroughs with a council, these officials perform both legislative and executive functions. The number of assembly members or councilors varies by borough, and members are elected by district or at-large.

Municipal Elections

Alaska's cities and towns elect mayors and city or town council members to govern at the municipal level. Mayors usually serve as the chief executive officers of their municipalities, responsible for enforcing local laws and overseeing municipal services. City or town councils act as the legislative body, passing ordinances, approving budgets, and addressing residents' concerns.

Boards of Education

Many of Alaska's boroughs and municipalities elect members to serve on boards of education, which govern the public school systems. These elections can be partisan or non-partisan, depending on the borough. School board members set educational policies, approve budgets, and oversee the superintendent and school administration.

Special District Elections

Alaska also holds elections for special districts that manage specific services such as fire protection, water supply, and public transportation. These districts are governed by elected boards that ensure the provision of essential services to residents.

Voting Procedures

To vote in Alaska, individuals must be U.S. citizens, Alaska residents, and at least 18 years old by the next general election. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person at designated locations. Alaska also offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day.

Alaska provides early voting opportunities, allowing voters to cast their ballots in person during a designated early voting period before Election Day. Absentee voting is available to all registered voters, with no requirement to provide a reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Voters can request absentee ballots online, by mail, or in person, and ballots must be returned by mail or dropped off at designated locations by Election Day.

On Election Day, polls in Alaska are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find their polling place using the Alaska Division of Elections website. Voters must present identification if they are voting for the first time in Alaska and did not provide identification when registering.

The Alaska Division of Elections oversees the administration of elections in the state. This includes maintaining voter registration records, certifying election results, and ensuring compliance with state and federal election laws. Local boards of elections in each borough manage the conduct of elections within their jurisdictions, including staffing polling places and counting ballots.

Election Stages

Primary elections in Alaska determine which candidates will represent their respective parties in the general election. Alaska holds open primaries, meaning that all registered voters can participate in any party's primary, regardless of their party affiliation. Non-partisan primaries are also held for certain local offices, such as school board positions, where all voters can participate regardless of party affiliation. Primaries are typically held in the spring of election years.

General elections are held in November of even-numbered years. These elections determine the final winners for federal, state, and local offices.

Special elections are conducted to fill vacancies that occur between regular elections due to resignations, deaths, or other reasons. They can be scheduled at various times throughout the year and typically follow similar procedures to regular elections.

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