Alaska's effort to repeal ranked choice voting would also roll back campaign finance transparency rules, removing disclosure requirements for dark money and out-of-state donations that voters approved in 2020.
CBS News published a headline about Alaska's primary that risks reinforcing false narratives about ranked choice voting being promoted by Trump, but the candidates in question are allowed to run regardless of the voting system used.
Alaska voters will decide whether to repeal their nonpartisan election system, which could allow political parties to shut out 60% of voters registered as independents from participating in primaries.
Alaska is testing a new election system designed to increase competition and deliver better results for voters. As opponents push for repeal, the state's 2026 races show how ranked-choice voting and open primaries are reshaping elections.
Bill Hill finished second in Alaska’s top-four primary and now takes on Republican Rep. Nick Begich III in a ranked-choice general election — while voters simultaneously decide whether to repeal the system that helped put an independent in contention.
Alaska voters approved campaign contribution limits in Tuesday's primary, but face another vote in November on whether to repeal disclosure rules that expose sources of political spending.
Elon Musk has funneled $1.5 million into efforts to repeal Alaska's Top Four open primary system, which lets all voters participate in primaries regardless of party affiliation.
Senator Lisa Murkowski defies Trump on the SAVE America Act, arguing it would create impossible barriers for Alaska voters. Her opposition shows how nonpartisan elections give lawmakers freedom from party pressure.
President Trump called Alaska's ranked choice voting system "disastrous" and "very fraudulent" on Friday. He gave his "complete and total support" to the repeal effort heading to Alaska's 2026 ballot.
Calling for “systemic change,” former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola announced on January 12 that she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting up one of the most closely watched races in the country. Peltola will challenge incumbent Dan Sullivan in a contest likely to be shaped as much by Al
The Trump administration has proposed reversing a Biden-era policy that barred new oil, gas, and mining development across much of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A), a vast, ecologically and economically significant area roughly the size of Indiana.
Ballotpedia reports this week that in 2026, Alaska’s independent voters will have the chance to solidify their role as election reform pioneers by voting on two initiatives.
Shawn Griffiths
Election Solutions Bulletin
Matt Shinners
Cara Brown McCormick
Chad Peace
