The August primary is soon at hand with only one week left until election day on August 18. Alaska’s jungle primary means all candidates regardless of party appear on the same ballot. There is no ranking in the primary; each voter just picks his or her favorite candidate. The top four vote-getters advance to the ranked-choice general in November. Candidates who do not get in the top four can still run as write-in candidates. Besides narrowing the extensive field of gubernatorial candidates, Alaskans will also decide Ballot Measure 1— a measure related to campaign finance limits.
Here is the must-read guide for conservative voters in this year’s primary.
The Mechanics
On the August 18th ballot: Governor/Lt. Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, most legislative seats, and Ballot Measure 1.
- Early and absentee in-person voting runs through Election Day. Locations and hours are at elections.alaska.gov/avo.
- Electronic/fax/online ballot requests accepted until 5 p.m. August 17.
- Election Day: August 18, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots need to be postmarked August 18 or earlier. Electronic returns due by 8 p.m. that day.
Alaska offers no-excuse absentee voting. Use it or show up in person. Totally up to you, but make sure to do something.
Sample ballots: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/sample-ballots/ballot/24prim2/
More resources for voters: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/voter-information/
Ballot Measure 1
Ballot Measure 1 would impose contribution limits for state and local races after a court wiped out old caps. Individuals would face roughly $2,000 per candidate per cycle (higher for governor tickets), with inflation adjustments, but PACs and Unions would gain significantly higher limits than under current law. Read coverage of the statements for and against here:
The Governor’s Race
Seventeen tickets are competing for four general-election spots. Recent public polls consistently show Democrat Tom Begich in first place, generally in the mid-to-high teens. Behind him the field is jumbled with many Alaskans choosing “undecided” in most surveys. No one is running away with it.
Alaska has not had a Democratic governor since 2002, and we want to keep it that way. Voters who prioritize affordable energy, responsible resource development, fiscal restraint that does not pretend money grows on tundra, public safety, and a functioning PFD formula should vote accordingly. In a top-four system, splitting the conservative vote risks advancing fewer serious options to November. Choose a conservative candidate who can actually compete. The polls are a snapshot, not a prophecy. Turnout decides.
Read up on the various gubernatorial candidates with this survey series conducted by Northern Journal and republished by Must Read Alaska:
“From the Horse’s Mouth:” Gubernatorial Survey Series
Which Candidates for Governor Support Increasing Taxes on Oil and Gas, Which Don’t, and Why?
Which Gubernatorial Candidates Prioritize Alaska LNG Project?
Gubernatorial Candidates Answer the PFD Question
Gubernatorial Candidates Share Specific Amount They Would Propose for Education Funding
Gubernatorial Candidates Talk Healthcare
Gubernatorial Candidates Evaluate Climate Change Consensus
More must-read coverage of Governor candidates:
U.S. Senate and House
Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces a crowded field that includes Democrat Mary Peltola and “decoy” Dan Sullivan from Petersburg. The House race features incumbent Republican Nick Begich, primarily facing challenger Bill Hill. Liberal pastor Matt Shultz will also appear on the primary ballot for U.S. House, although he has formally announced he will not be continuing his campaign. Both races will send four names forward. Record and results matter more than slogans.
We support incumbents Dan Sullivan and Nick Begich. Read our coverage:
Practical Notes
Early voting reduces the chance of standing in a line next to someone who just discovered politics last week. Track your absentee ballot. Bring identification if you have it. Mark the ballot cleanly.
Alaska’s system rewards those who show up and those who understand that “top four” is not a participation trophy. Vote for the conservative option that advances Alaska’s long-term interests rather than the temporary preferences of Juneau or the Lower 48. The top four will then be subjected to ranked-choice voting in the general election. Make the first cut count.
Official details, locations, and status checks: elections.alaska.gov.
