According to unofficial election results, ballot measure 1 passed with 78.5% of the votes. Ballot Measure 1 proposed to “re-establish campaign donation limits for state and local elections.” Proponents of the measure argued it would level the playing field, ensuring wealthier Alaskans cannot buy outsized political power. Opponents argued that the measure does not re-establish fair campaign limits but rather restricts individual Alaskans while at the same time quadrupling the amount PACs and Unions can give.
Twenty years ago, 73% of Alaskans voted for strict campaign finance limits. In 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court in Thompson v Hebdon ruled that Alaska’s campaign finance limit of $500 per individual was too low and did not properly account for inflation. Since that ruling, Alaskan individuals have been allowed to give any amount of money to political campaigns and groups. However, the ruling did not strike down Alaska’s campaign contribution limits on PACs and Unions, set at $1,000.
Ballot Measure 1 will now limit individual Alaskans from giving more than $2,000 to candidates and $5,000 to political parties. It also raises the contribution limits on PACs and Unions from $1,000 to $4,000 to candidates and $5,000 to other parties or groups. Individuals can also give up to $4,000 to joint campaigns for governor and lieutenant governor, and PACs and Unions can give up to $8,000. The measure also includes an inflation adjustment every ten years.
Readers can view the full bill text here:
