Alaska Rejects Ranked Choice Voting Repeal — After Taking 10 Days to Count the Votes

Alaska voters have rejected a ballot measure aimed at abolishing the state’s ranked-choice voting system and open primaries. This marks the second consecutive election where Alaskans have chosen to retain the system approved in 2020. The lengthy vote tabulation process, which took 10 days after Election Day, drew attention to the mechanics of Alaska’s election system, especially in close races.

• Alaska voters have rejected Ballot Measure 2, which sought to repeal ranked-choice voting and open primaries.
• Approximately 53.5 percent of voters opposed the repeal, compared to 46.5 percent in favor.
• This is the second time Alaskans have voted to keep ranked-choice voting, having first approved it in 2020.
• The vote count took 10 days after Election Day, highlighting delays in Alaska’s election process.
• Ranked-choice voting involves voters ranking candidates, with votes redistributed if no candidate achieves a majority.