Alaska Senate Race Draws Attention as Voters Use Ranked-Choice System
How ranked-choice voting works
Alaska introduced ranked-choice voting in 2022. Voters may rank any number of candidates by preference rather than selecting only one. The system replaces party primaries with a nonpartisan primary, from which the four leading candidates advance to the general election. In the general election, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in successive rounds, and ballots are counted for voters’ next choices.
A closely watched Senate contest
His main opponent is Peltola, who became the first Democrat to represent Alaska in the House in 50 years in 2022. Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher with a nearly identical name to the senator, has also entered the race.
Primary results and concerns
In the August open Senate primary, Peltola received 49.5% of the vote, while Sen. Dan Sullivan received 41.4%. Daniel J. Sullivan received 2.5%. The retired teacher’s candidacy raised concerns about possible voter confusion. The Justice Department made a late-breaking effort to intervene.
Counting and certification timeline
The count may take longer because of Alaska’s vast geography, remote communities and mail ballots. The state accepts mail ballots received up to 10 days after Election Day, or 15 days in some cases.
Election officials are aiming to certify the results on Nov. 25. In 2022, Peltola secured a full two-year term on Nov. 30.
Key points
- Alaska voters can rank candidates in order of preference under the system introduced in 2022.
- Peltola led the August Senate primary with 49.5%, followed by Sen. Dan Sullivan at 41.4%.
- Retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan received 2.5% and raised concerns about voter confusion.
- Officials are targeting Nov. 25 to certify results, with mail ballots contributing to the count’s length.