From NBC News · Jane C. Timm · · 2m
Alaska votes to keep ranked choice voting
Voters reject a ballot measure to repeal the voting system after a Senate race controversy.
In brief
Voters reject a ballot measure to repeal the voting system after a Senate race controversy. Alaska voters rejected a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting, keeping the system in place despite controversy over a potential spoiler candidate in the Senate race. Originally reported by NBC News.
Alaska keeps ranked choice voting
Alaskans have rejected a ballot measure seeking to repeal ranked choice voting, NBC News projects. The system was in the spotlight after controversy around a potential spoiler candidate in the state's competitive Senate race.
How Alaska's voting system works
Candidates from all parties run on the same primary ballot, with the top four vote-getters advancing to the general election. Voters then rank those candidates in order of preference.
The ranked choice tabulation process
If no candidate eclipses fifty percent on the first ballot, the race goes to ranked choice tabulation.The fourth-place finisher is eliminated, and their supporters are redistributed based on voter rankings.
The spoiler candidate controversy
One week before Election Day, The New York Times reported that Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola's campaign was involved in recruiting a candidate with the same name as GOP Sen.Dan Sullivan to run for Senate.
Peltola denies involvement in recruitment
Peltola and her campaign have denied pushing Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to enter the race or being involved in his campaign. The episode is under federal and state investigation.
Ranked choice voting's history in Alaska
Ranked choice voting first went into effect in Alaska in twenty twenty-two, after voters approved it through a ballot measure in twenty twenty.
Support and criticism of the system
Supporters say ranked choice voting gives more power to voters and incentivizes candidates to not only appeal to the most extreme elements of a party. Critics argue it causes confusion.
Alaska and Maine lead adoption
Alaska and Maine are the only states that use ranked choice voting for statewide elections. Supporters say the method mitigates spoiler effects by allowing voters to rank multiple candidates.
What matters most
Alaska voters rejected a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting, keeping the system in place despite controversy over a potential spoiler candidate in the Senate race.
