2022 Statewide Elections Overview
There are two statewide elections in Alaska in 2022, which follow the same two-step process: a nonpartisan "pick one" primary followed by a ranked choice voting general election.
- On August 16, 2022, more than 30% of Alaskan voters participated in Alaska's first ranked choice voting election - the special election to fill the U.S. Representative seat vacancy (until January 3, 2023) - as well as the regularly scheduled nonpartisan primary for the re
- On November 8, 2022, Alaskans will head to the polls and use ranked choice voting in the general election for US Senate, US House of Representatives, Governor/Lt. Governor, Alaska State Senate, and Alaska State House of Representatives for the next terms.
You can check your voter information on the Division of Elections website at: myvoterinformation.alaska.gov
2022 general election concept Ballot
How do I vote in the primary election?
The primary election is an open, pick 1 primary. All candidates for each office are on the same ballot, regardless of political affiliation. You don’t have to choose a ballot – all voters get the same ballot and may vote for one candidate per race. The top four vote-getters advance to the general election.
How do I vote in the ranked choice voting general election?
- Rank the candidates you like in order of preference.
- Your favorite is your 1st choice.
- Ranking other candidates doesn’t affect your 1st choice.
- Ranking the candidates in order of preference ensures you have a voice in selecting your representative – even if your first choice isn’t the winning candidate. If there’s a candidate that you don’t want to see elected, the best way to prevent them from winning is by ranking every other candidate.
How are votes counted in the ranked choice voting general election?
- If a candidate receives a majority of 1st choice votes (50%+1), they win.
- If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and voters that ranked the candidate as their 1st choice have their vote counted for their next choice. This process continues until one candidate receives a majority of votes.
- Alaska State law allows up to 15 days for an absentee ballot to be received after Election Day, ensuring voters from Rural Alaska and overseas have their voices heard. In order to allow each vote to be counted before the next round, only first-round results will be reported for the first 15 days following an election.
