Alaskans Stick With Ranked Choice Voting After Repeal Measure Fails

Voters reject repeal measure

Alaskans chose to keep ranked choice voting, rejecting a proposal to end the system, according to NBC News projections. The method first took effect in the state in 2022 after voters approved it in 2020.

A previous attempt to repeal ranked choice voting also failed. In 2024, the measure fell short by fewer than 800 votes.

How Alaska’s system works

Candidates from every party compete on one primary ballot. The four candidates with the most votes advance to the general election. In the general election, voters rank candidates by preference. If no candidate passes 50% on the first ballot, ranked choice tabulation determines the result.

Debate and Senate controversy

Supporters say ranked choice voting gives voters more influence and encourages candidates to appeal beyond their party’s most extreme elements. Critics say the process can confuse voters. The system was in the spotlight late in the election after controversy grew over a potential spoiler candidate in Alaska’s competitive Senate race. The episode is under federal and state investigation; a federal judge earlier this month dismissed the Trump administration’s effort to segregate ballots cast for Dan J. Sullivan.