Alaska’s Pick One, Open Primary Elections
​Are on the Way

by tu voz importa

Alaskans are getting ready to, once again, cast their ballots in the state’s open primary election, where they will be able to vote for any state-level candidate regardless of their political affiliation.

Elections in Alaska are coming up again! On August 20, 2024, Alaskans will get to vote in the state’s open primary. This means you can vote for any candidate running for state office, no matter which political party you belong to. This inclusive approach is a key feature of Alaska’s “Open, Pick 1 Primary” system, allowing every voter to have a say on which candidates will show up in the November general election.

Alaska’s open primary system was created after voters approved a change in 2020. This new system introduced a “top-four primary” for state executive, legislative, and congressional elections, along with Ranked Choice Voting for general elections, including the presidential race. While Ranked Choice Voting has received a lot of attention, the Open, Pick 1 Primary also has unique aspects worth noting. Unlike ranked voting, every voter just gets to pick one candidate in each race. The ballot will list all candidates regardless of their political affiliation. Then, once the vote is counted, the four candidates that get the most votes in each race, regardless of their party, will move to the general election.

One of the main goals of this system is to tackle the problem of low voter turnout in primary elections, which is common across the United States. Primaries usually attract only the most engaged voters, leading to lower participation rates compared to general elections. However, Alaska’s 2022 primary elections saw a significant increase in voter turnout. Participation rates reached their highest in a decade, with more voters from various political backgrounds—Republicans, Democrats, independents, and third-party supporters—casting their ballots. According to the Sightline Institute, 37% of eligible voters participated, which, although it may seem low, is notable since no state exceeded 50% turnout in primary elections in 2022. Only four states have reached 35% turnout at least once in the past four non-presidential primary elections.

It’s too early to make definitive claims about the impact of nonpartisan open primaries on turnout, but the results in Alaska suggest that this system might be encouraging more people to vote. The open primary is designed to ensure that the candidates moving to the general election are the ones with the most support from the voters, regardless of their party. By advancing the top four candidates, this system gives Alaskans more choice and representation. Political parties still play a role by endorsing and supporting their preferred candidates, but they no longer control the primaries where only party members could vote.

Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard! Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 20, 2024.

To register to vote or update your voter registration, please visit https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/
Who Can Vote?
You may vote if:
• You are a United States citizen.
• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Have been a resident of the state and of the election district that you seek to vote for at least 30 days before an election.
• Have registered to vote on or before the registration deadline; and are not registered to vote in any other jurisdiction.
Source: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/