Alaskans Keep Ranked Choice Voting as 'No' Leads Ballot Measure 2

Anchorage, Nov. 3, 2026. Early election results indicate that Alaskans have rejected the proposal to repeal ranked choice voting. The 'No' vote on Ballot Measure 2 leads with 51% of the count as 70% of precincts report. This outcome preserves the voting system Alaska has utilized since 2022.

Ballot Measure 2 was backed primarily by Republicans who argue the current system is confusing and prone to manipulation. Proponents point to specific primary outcomes as evidence, including Democrat Tom Begich dropping out of the governor’s race after placing second. They also cite the advancement of longshot candidates to the general election, such as a New York prisoner and a Petersburg man who shares the first and last name of incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Both sides agree that the open primary component reduces the influence of party partisans. This structure makes it more difficult for hardcore conservatives or liberals to defeat moderate opponents in primaries. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is frequently cited as an example of a moderate candidate who benefits from this arrangement. Opponents of the repeal say the system encourages cooperation and minimizes the spoiler effect often seen in single-choice races.

The measure also targeted campaign finance rules designed to identify large donors. Proponents of the repeal argue these 'dark money' rules give voters better insight into the forces shaping state politics. Outside groups poured millions into the campaign from out-of-state megadonors. Repeal Now, which backed the initiative, raised nearly $2.6 million by late October.

The Aurora Action Network was the predominant funder for the repeal effort. Elon Musk donated $1.5 million to the network. Other major donors included Jeff Yass, Timothy Mellon, and Hilcorp founder Jeffery Hildebrand. In contrast, opponents of the ballot measure raised $10.4 million from outside billionaires as of late October. Key backers included former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, election reform advocate Kathryn Murdoch, and Kimbal Musk.

Alaskans also approved Ballot Measure 3 by a wide margin. This measure specifies that only U.S. citizens may vote in state elections. Proponents, including three Republican former state legislators and GOP megadonor Richard Uihein, stated the measure clarifies existing state law. Citizenship is already a requirement to vote in Alaska, so the measure is expected to have no practical effect. No formal group was created to oppose the measure.

The 2024 election offers a close comparison to the current results. In that cycle, a similar ballot question saw 'Yes' leading on Election Night. However, late-counted ballots shifted the result, pushing 'No' above 50% and causing the measure to fail by 743 votes. That narrow margin helped preserve ranked choice voting in the state.