In second setback, Alaska voters reject ballot measure seeking repeal of open primaries, ranked voting system

A second rejection

The measure was decided as part of the Nov. 3 election. It would have restored partisan primaries and general elections in which voters select only one candidate.

How the system works

In an open primary, candidates from all parties appear together on the ballot. The four candidates with the most votes advance to a general election using ranked choice voting.

Supporters say the system offers voters more choices and encourages candidates to build broader coalitions. They also say it has moderated the state Legislature, which has been governed by bipartisan coalitions in recent years.

Criticism and campaign pressure

Opponents, including President Donald Trump, have called the system confusing. Trump has criticized it for years, and Elon Musk was among the donors supporting the repeal effort. Political parties and campaigns have sometimes urged lower-placing primary candidates to leave the general election. They have done so in hopes of improving the prospects of candidates with higher profiles.