By — Becky Bohrer, Associated Press Becky Bohrer, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/alaska-voters-reject-ballot-measure-seeking-to-repeal-open-primaries-and-ranked-voting-system Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Alaska voters reject ballot measure seeking to repeal open primaries and ranked voting system Politics Nov 14, 2026 1:43 PM EST JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska voters have rejected the latest attempt to repeal the state's system of open primaries and ranked choice voting in general elections. READ MORE: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins becomes first Democrat since 1998 elected governor in Alaska The ballot measure, decided as part of the Nov. 3 election, marked the second time in two years that voters have rejected attempts to overturn the system and revert to partisan primaries and to general elections in which just one candidate can be selected. The measure also would have repealed some campaign disclosure rules. Voters in 2020 narrowly adopted the new system, which was used for the first time in 2022. Supporters of open primaries and ranked voting say it gives voters more choices and forces candidates to build a broader…
Alaska voters reject ballot measure seeking to repeal open primaries and ranked voting system
In short
The Nov. 3 vote marked the second time in two years that the state's electorate successfully defended open primaries and ranked choice balloting against repeal efforts. Narrowly adopted in 2020, the structure puts every candidate on a single ballot and lets voters rank their top four choices in the general election. Beyond preserving the voting procedure, the failed measure also protects existing campaign disclosure rules. Opponents, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, have argued the system creates confusion and prompts party leaders to pressure lower-placing qualifiers to drop out.
Key points
- Alaska will maintain its open top-four primary and ranked choice voting structure after d…: Alaska will maintain its open top-four primary and ranked choice voting structure after defeating a second repeal effort.
- Supporters emphasize that the system encourages bipartisan coalitions in the state Legisl…: Supporters emphasize that the system encourages bipartisan coalitions in the state Legislature while protecting election transparency.
- Major political parties have occasionally pressured lower-ranking qualifiers to exit gene…: Major political parties have occasionally pressured lower-ranking qualifiers to exit general races to benefit higher-profile candidates.