Voters in Sitka have overwhelmingly rejected a citizen-led ballot proposition special election aimed at regulating large cruise ship traffic, dealing a blow to those advocating for tighter limits on visitor numbers and port calls during the summer tourist season.
In a special election held Wednesday, preliminary results show that roughly 2,000 voted against the initiative, and 800 voted for it — 72% to 28%.
After polls closed at 8 pm, only about 100 absentee votes were outstanding, insufficient to change the outcome. The remaining ballots are to be counted June 2.
The measure would have implemented sweeping restrictions on large cruise ships, defined as vessels carrying 250 or more overnight passengers. If passed, the ordinance would have gone into effect for the 2026 cruise season and established the following limits:
- Confined cruise ship port calls to the period between May 1 and September 30;
- Limited port calls to six days per week, requiring one cruise-free day;
- Imposed an annual cap of 300,000 scheduled passengers ashore;
- Enforced a daily cap of 4,500 scheduled passengers ashore.
In addition to passenger and scheduling restrictions, the proposition required the City and Borough of Sitka to create a permitting and scheduling system for all cruise ships, large and small, and to impose penalties—including fines, permit revocations, or yearlong suspensions—for noncompliance. It also would have mandated that cruise operators report visitation data to local authorities.
Supporters of the measure, clearly in the minority, said it was necessary to preserve Sitka’s quality of life, natural environment, and infrastructure.
Opponents, including many in the local business community, argued the restrictions were too rigid and could have significant economic consequences for a city that depends heavily on summer tourism.
