| Elections in Alaska |
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The U.S. state of Alaska has had a system of direct voting since 1956, when it was still a territory. The first ballot measures were related to statehood and the constitution of the new state. [1]
| Elections in Alaska |
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The U.S. state of Alaska has had a system of direct voting since 1956, when it was still a territory. The first ballot measures were related to statehood and the constitution of the new state. [1]
Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867, however, it did not become an incorporated territory of the United States until 1912. [2] The Constitution of Alaska, itself ratified by a vote of the people in 1956, outlined specific guidelines for ballot measures in Article XI, stating that "the people may propose and enact laws by the initiative, and approve or reject acts of the legislature by the referendum." [3] : 180 Congress approved statehood in 1958 and when Alaska formally entered the union in 1959, it became the 20th state to have a system of direct voting. [1]
In 1960, Alaskan voters saw seven ballot measures on election day, including an initiative that would move the state capital from Juneau to an undefined location in the Cook Inlet. [4] While this measure was defeated, four of the first six initiatives proposed moving the location of the capital, with different proposals appearing on the ballot in 1962, 1974, 1978, and 1994. [1] The 1974 initiative passed, but voters rejected the required funding for such a move in 1980. [5]
The Alaskan Legislature took steps to limit the number of measures that could appear on the ballot every year in 2004. [6] The new rules, passed as a constitutional amendment, required that measures initiatives and referendums receive signatures from three-quarters of Alaska's legislative districts and increased the total number of signatures required. [7]
In 2020, Alaska became the second state in the nation to adopt a ranked-choice voting system when Ballot Measure 2 passed by less than 4,000 votes. [8] Implementation of this system was postponed while state courts processed several legal challenges, but the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the measure in January 2022. [9] The system was first used in the 2022 special election primary. [10]
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative No. 1 | A measure moving the Alaskan capital from Juneau to a location in the Cook Inlet area [11] | Failed [12] | 18,865 (44.04%) | 23,972 (55.96%) |
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $9,000,000 in funding to construct state office buildings in Anchorage and Fairbanks (equivalent to $93,000,000in 2023) [13] | Failed [14] | 20,778 (41.57%) | 29,206 (58.43%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $23,000,000 in funding to construct and maintain a ferry and road system in the state (equivalent to $237,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [14] | 27,197 (52.32%) | 24,779 (47.68%) |
| Bonding Proposition 3 | A measure providing $1,500,000 in funding for vocational education programs (equivalent to $15,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [14] | 32,494 (63.94%) | 18,327 (36.06%) |
| Bonding Proposition 4 | A measure providing $2,000,000 in funding to the University of Alaska (equivalent to $21,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [14] | 37,085 (72.92%) | 14,640 (27.08%) |
| Bonding Proposition 5 | A measure providing $2,500,000 in funding for the construction and maintenance of new hospitals (equivalent to $26,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [14] | 37,852 (73.33%) | 13,770 (26.67%) |
| Bonding Proposition 6 | A measure providing $1,500,000 in funding for airfields in rural parts of the state (equivalent to $15,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [14] | 33,800 (66.58%) | 16,969 (33.42%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative No. 1 | A measure moving the Alaskan capital from Juneau to a location in Western Alaska within thirty miles of Anchorage [11] | Failed [15] | 26,542 (45.09%) | 32,325 (54.91%) |
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $5,950,000 in funding for new buildings at the University of Alaska (equivalent to $60,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [15] | 42,747 (76.07%) | 13,447 (23.93%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $5,000,000 in funding for the construction of new schools (equivalent to $50,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [15] | 39,117 (70.58%) | 16,306 (29.42%) |
| Bonding Proposition 3 | A measure providing $4,175,000 in funding for the construction and maintenance of rural airports (equivalent to $42,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [15] | 32,606 (59.18%) | 22,492 (40.82%) |
| Bonding Proposition 4 | A measure providing $2,200,000 in funding for the construction of vocational schools (equivalent to $22,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [15] | 33,374 (60.98%) | 21,356 (39.02%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $2,000,000 in funding for the construction of assisted living residences (equivalent to $20,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [16] | 46,970 (72.72%) | 17,616 (27.28%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $5,000,000 in funding for the construction of new health and welfare facilities (equivalent to $49,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [16] | 47,099 (73.17%) | 17,274 (26.83%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Joint Resolution 1 | A measure allowing the state legislature to reduce the residency requirement to vote in presidential elections [17] | Passed [18] | 36,667 (74.75%) | 12,383 (25.25%) |
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $900,000 in funding for outdoor recreation construction (equivalent to $8,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 41,242 (66.63%) | 20,655 (33.37%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $2,285,000 in funding for the construction of new schools (equivalent to $21,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 50,532 (80.34%) | 12,367 (19.66%) |
| Bonding Proposition 3 | A measure providing $15,500,000 in funding for the construction of new ferries (equivalent to $146,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 36,518 (60.12%) | 24,225 (39.88%) |
| Bonding Proposition 4 | A measure providing $16,900,000 in funding for the construction of new university buildings (equivalent to $159,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 43,674 (71.09%) | 17,758 (28.91%) |
| Bonding Proposition 5 | A measure providing $10,500,000 in funding for the construction of a state highway system (equivalent to $99,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 49,336 (78.08%) | 13,852 (21.92%) |
| Bonding Proposition 6 | A measure providing $11,500,000 in funding for the construction of new airports (equivalent to $108,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 41,146 (66.57%) | 20,665 (33.43%) |
| Bonding Proposition 7 | A measure providing $2,285,000 for the construction of new regional high schools (equivalent to $21,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [19] | 49,007 (77.68%) | 14,084 (22.32%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment No. 1 | A measure establishing a judicial commission to set guidelines on eligibility for practicing law [17] | Passed [20] | 32,481 (71.70%) | 12,823 (28.30%) |
| Constitutional Amendment No. 2 | A measure establishing that members of the judicial commission may be financially compensated for their work there [17] | Passed [20] | 27,156 (60.30%) | 17,467 (39.70%) |
| Referendum Relating to Voter Registration | A measure establishing a system of pre-registration for Alaskan voters. [21] | Passed [22] | 37,152 (51.29%) | 35,278 (48.71%) |
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $2,000,000 in funding for the construction of assisted living residences in the southcentral region (equivalent to $18,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 48,992 (64.12%) | 27,417 (35.88%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $11,200,000 in funding for the construction of a state highway system (equivalent to $98,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 60,782 (78.93%) | 16,225 (21.07%) |
| Bonding Proposition 3 | A measure providing $1,200,000 in funding for the construction of new hospitals (equivalent to $11,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 56,272 (74.14%) | 19,631 (25.86%) |
| Bonding Proposition 4 | A measure providing $8,800,000 in funding for the construction of new airports (equivalent to $77,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 54,330 (71.60%) | 21,519 (28.40%) |
| Bonding Proposition 5 | A measure providing $10,000,000 in funding for the construction of new schools (equivalent to $88,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 61,619 (79.70%) | 15,661 (20.30%) |
| Bonding Proposition 6 | A measure providing $8,500,000 in funding for the construction of new university buildings (equivalent to $74,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 50,741 (66.83%) | 25,190 (33.17%) |
| Bonding Proposition 7 | A measure providing $18,000,000 in funding for the construction of ferries (equivalent to $158,000,000in 2023) [13] | Failed [22] | 35,549 (47.27%) | 39,655 (52.73%) |
| Bonding Proposition 8 | A measure providing $3,000,000 in funding for the construction of new fish hatcheries (equivalent to $26,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [22] | 49,558 (65.04%) | 26,638 (34.96%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment No. 1 | An amendment lowering the voting age to eighteen years old [17] | Passed [23] | 36,590 (53.96%) | 31,216 (46.04%) |
| Constitutional Amendment No. 2 | An amendment eliminating the ability to read English as a voting requirement [17] | Passed [23] | 34,079 (51.13%) | 32,578 (48.87%) |
| Constitutional Amendment No. 3 | An amendment renaming the Secretary of State to the Lieutenant Governor [17] | Passed [23] | 46,102 (71.05%) | 18,781 (28.95%) |
| Constitutional Amendment No. 4 | An amendment requiring the position of Chief Justice be elected by the other justices on the Alaska Supreme Court [17] | Passed [23] | 44,055 (69.23%) | 19,583 (30.77%) |
| Constitutional Amendment No. 5 | An amendment requiring that the administrator of the Alaskan court system be appointed by the Alaska Supreme Court [17] | Passed [23] | 43,462 (69.97%) | 18,651 (30.03%) |
| Referendum Relating to Constitutional Convention | A referendum calling for a constitutional convention [24] | Passed [25] | 34,911 (50.32%) | 34,472 (49.68%) |
| Bonding Proposition 1 | A measure providing $20,300,000 in funding for the construction of schools [13] | Passed [25] | 61,528 (79.53%) | 15,835 (20.47%) |
| Bonding Proposition 2 | A measure providing $3,000,000 in funding for the construction of housing in remote areas [13] | Passed [25] | 45,137 (59.14%) | 31,188 (40.86%) |
| Bonding Proposition 3 | A measure providing $2,300,00 in funding for the construction of recreational facilities [13] | Passed [25] | 50,272 (66.56%) | 25,256 (33.44%) |
| Bonding Proposition 4 | A measure providing $29,200,000 for the construction of new highways [13] | Passed [25] | 61,010 (79.58%) | 15,658 (20.42%) |
| Bonding Proposition 5 | A measure providing $8,600,000 in funding for the construction of new health and welfare correctional facilities [13] | Passed [25] | 52,977 (69.71%) | 23,016 (30.29%) |
| Bonding Proposition 6 | A measure providing $5,600,000 in funding for the construction of new health and medical facilities [13] | Passed [25] | 57,358 (77.14%) | 17,001 (22.86%) |
| Bonding Proposition 7 | A measure providing $11,000,000 in funding for the construction of new wastewater systems [13] | Passed [25] | 57,380 (75.10%) | 19,024 (25.90%) |
| Bonding Proposition 8 | A measure providing $5,500,000 in funding for highway maintenance [13] | Passed [25] | 56,540 (74.56%) | 19,287 (25.44%) |
| Bonding Proposition 9 | A measure providing $10,000,000 in funding for the construction of new airports [13] | Passed [25] | 50,964 (69.96%) | 21,887 (30.04%) |
| Bonding Proposition 10 | A measure providing $21,000,000 in funding for the construction of ferries [13] | Passed [25] | 42,901 (58.69%) | 30,193 (41.31%) |
| Bonding Proposition 11 | A measure providing $29,700,000 in funding for construction relating to the University of Alaska [13] | Passed [25] | 51,864 (70.49%) | 21,710 (29.51%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | An amendment requiring voters maintain residency in Alaska for at least one year before being eligible to vote [17] | Passed [26] | 31,130 (60.01%) | 20,745 (39.99%) |
| Amendment 2 | An amendment prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex [17] | Passed [26] | 43,281 (80.81%) | 10,278 (19.19%) |
| Amendment 3 | An amendment providing a right to privacy to all residents of Alaska [17] | Passed [26] | 45,539 (86.18%) | 7,303 (13.82%) |
| Amendment 4 | An amendment reforming the structure of borough assemblies [17] | Passed [26] | 30,132 (60.89%) | 19,354 (39.11%) |
| Amendment 5 | An amendment affirming that no exclusive rights to fishing exist in Alaska [17] | Passed [26] | 39,837 (78.73%) | 10,761 (21.27%) |
| Constitutional Convention | A measure calling for a constitutional convention [24] | Failed [27] | 29,192 (65.49%) | 55,389 (65.49%) |
| Proposition 1 | A measure providing $3,500,000 in funding for the construction of new hospitals [13] | Passed [27] | 62,374 (67.41%) | 30,159 (32.59%) |
| Proposition 2 | A measure providing $10,000,000 in funding for the construction of new highways [13] | Passed [27] | 65,985 (71.04%) | 26,899 (28.96%) |
| Proposition 3 | A measure providing $11,500,000 in funding for the construction of recreation centers [13] | Failed [27] | 42,936 (46.84%) | 48,730 (53.16%) |
| Proposition 4 | A measure providing $18,000,000 in funding for the construction of facilities at the University of Alaska [13] | Passed [27] | 55,190 (59.78%) | 37,130 (40.22%) |
| Proposition 5 | A measure providing $24,000,000 in funding for the construction of airports [13] | Passed [27] | 57,413 (62.83%) | 33,971 (37.17%) |
| Proposition 6 | A measure providing $16,000,000 in funding for the construction of state operated schools [13] | Passed [27] | 59,942 (65.50%) | 31,576 (34.50%) |
| Proposition 7 | A measure providing $3,500,000 in funding for flood control and small boat harbors [13] | Passed [27] | 51,995 (56.70%) | 39,708 (43.30%) |
| Proposition 8 | A measure providing $33,000,000 in funding for the construction of sewage systems [13] | Passed [27] | 63,817 (68.92%) | 28,777 (31.08%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | A measure providing $11,500,000 in funding for the construction of recreation and sports facilities [13] | Failed [28] | 28,849 (42.40%) | 39,187 (57.60%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | An amendment requiring that future constitutional amendments appear on general election ballots rather than primary election ballots [17] | Passed [29] | 56,017 (73.30%) | 20,403 (26.70%) |
| Initiative 1 | A measure to move the state capital from Juneau to an unspecified location in Western Alaska [30] | Passed [29] | 46,659 (56.66%) | 35,683 (43.34%) |
| Initiative 2 | A measure requiring candidates for statewide political office to disclose their personal finances | Passed [29] | 57,094 (71.15%) | 23,151 (28.85%) |
| Proposition 1 | A measure providing $2,700,000 in funding for the construction of fire protection facilities [13] | Passed [31] | 57,922 (62.85%) | 34,230 (37.15%) |
| Proposition 2 | A measure providing $22,500,000 in funding for port facilities development [13] | Passed [31] | 46,280 (50.68%) | 45,046 (49.32%) |
| Proposition 3 | A measure providing $7,900,000 in funding for the construction of new library facilities [13] | Passed [31] | 48,325 (52.78%) | 43,240 (47.22%) |
| Proposition 4 | A measure providing $10,400,000 in funding for the construction of new airports [13] | Passed [31] | 47,988 (52.45%) | 43,511 (47.55%) |
| Proposition 5 | A measure providing $37,300,000 in funding for the construction of state transportation infrastructure [13] | Passed [31] | 55,138 (60.14%) | 36,545 (39.86%) |
| Proposition 6 | A measure providing $10,900,000 in funding for healthcare facilities [13] | Passed [31] | 55,040 (60.17%) | 36,427 (39.83%) |
| Proposition 7 | A measure providing $10,500,000 in funding for wildlife management and enforcement [13] | Passed [31] | 53,944 (59.07%) | 37,383 (40.93%) |
| Proposition 8 | A measure providing $7,515,000 in funding for assisted living facilities [13] | Passed [31] | 58,307 (63.43%) | 33,612 (36.57%) |
| Proposition 9 | A measure providing $40,337,000 in funding for the construction of schools in rural areas [13] | Passed [31] | 59,327 (63.87%) | 33,567 (36.13%) |
| Proposition 10 | A measure providing $39,500,00 in funding for improvements to the University of Alaska [13] | Passed [31] | 54,445 (58.38%) | 38,820 (41.62%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Passed? | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referendum 1 | A veto referendum to repeal a law which increased the salary and retirement benefits for certain government employees [21] | Passed [32] | 41,736 (80.14%) | 10,341 (19.86%) |
| Capital Site Selection | A referendum selecting a new location for the state capital, with three listed options: Larson Lake, Mount Yenlo, and Willow | Passed [33] | 56,219 (53.26%) [a] | 49,339 (46.74%) [b] |
| Proposition 1 | An amendment giving the legislature a time limit to reconsider vetoed bills [17] | Passed [33] | 71,829 (64.24%) | 39,980 (35.76%) |
| Proposition 2 | An amendment establishing the Alaska Permanent Fund [17] | Passed [33] | 75,588 (66.24%) | 38,518 (33.76%) |
| Proposition 3 | An amendment requiring the legislature to approve sales of state-owned lands [17] | Failed [33] | 46,652 (41.88%) | 64,744 (58.12%) |
| Proposition 4 | An amendment allowing the state to provide scholarships and grants to students at private universities [17] | Failed [33] | 54,636 (45.97%) | 64,211 (54.03%) |
| Proposition 5 | A measure repealing a law which limited commercial fishing [30] | Failed [33] | 44,304 (37.10%) | 75,125 (62.90%) |
| Proposition 6 | An advisory question asking whether the legislature should combine into a unicameral legislature [24] | Passed [33] | 58,782 (51.57%) | 55,204 (48.43%) |
| Proposition 7 | A measure providing $7,100,000 in funding for firefighter training programs [13] | Passed [33] | 60,628 (52.14%) | 55,656 (47.86%) |
| Proposition 8 | A measure providing $59,290,000 in funding for the construction and maintenance of school facilities [13] | Passed [33] | 66,165 (56.45%) | 51,040 (43.55%) |
| Proposition 9 | A measure providing $6,600,000 in funding for new parks and recreation facilities [13] | Passed [33] | 58,708 (50.66%) | 57,186 (49.34%) |
| Proposition 10 | A measure providing $29,205,000 in funding for fish and game management [13] | Passed [33] | 66,813 (57.44%) | 49,513 (42.56%) |
| Proposition 11 | A measure providing $7,500,000 in funding for housing for the elderly [13] | Passed [33] | 78,463 (66.08%) | 40,273 (33.92%) |
| Proposition 12 | A measure providing $26,960,000 in funding for the University of Alaska [13] | Failed [33] | 56,467 (47.35%) | 62,793 (52.65%) |
| Proposition 13 | A measure providing $53,360,000 in funding for state transportation infrastructure [13] | Passed [33] | 71,910 (60.38%) | 47,189 (39.62%) |
| Proposition 14 | A measure providing $6,866,000 in funding for the construction of airports [13] | Passed [33] | 62,475 (52.62%) | 56,250 (47.38%) |
| Proposition 15 | A measure providing $10,630,000 in funding for the construction of new criminal justice facilities [13] | Failed [33] | 35,598 (30.39%) | 81,547 (69.61%) |
| Proposition 16 | A measure providing $31,000,000 in funding for new water supply and sewage systems [13] | Passed [33] | 66,693 (56.41%) | 51,528 (43.59%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | An advisory question asking whether legislative sessions should be standardized at 120 days [24] | Passed [34] | 87,100 (74.96%) | 29,093 (25.04%) |
| Proposition 2 | An amendment empowering the Governor with the ability to approve or disapprove aspects of the budget [17] | Failed [34] | 48,078 (41.28%) | 68,403 (58.72%) |
| Proposition 3 | A measure requiring the public approve all costs of moving the capital before any move takes place [30] | Passed [34] | 69,414 (55.68%) | 55,253 (44.32%) |
| Proposition 4 | A measure making all unappropriated land available for homesteading until a total of 30,000,000 acres were transferred [30] | Passed [34] | 70,409 (55.92%) | 55,511 (44.08%) |
| Proposition 5 | A measure requiring all aluminum drink containers sold in major municipalities have a refund value of at least ten cents [30] | Failed [34] | 49,882 (39.84%) | 75,337 (60.16%) |
| Proposition 6 | A measure providing $33,290,000 in funding for flood control and harbor projects [13] | Passed [34] | 70,207 (58.33%) | 50,156 (41.67%) |
| Proposition 7 | A measure providing $5,850,000 in funding for public parks and walking paths [13] | Passed [34] | 63,455 (52.66%) | 57,034 (47.34%) |
| Proposition 8 | A measure providing $25,000,000 in funding for healthcare facilities and assisted living homes [13] | Passed [34] | 86,099 (71.07%) | 35,054 (28.93%) |
| Proposition 9 | A measure providing $33,656,000 in funding for vocational training facilities and the University of Alaska [13] | Passed [34] | 65,211 (52.97%) | 57,896 (47.03%) |
| Proposition 10 | A measure providing $88,450,000 in funding for state transportation infrastructure [13] | Passed [34] | 75,454 (61.32%) | 47,600 (36.68%) |
| Proposition 11 | A measure providing $30,504,000 in funding for the construction of correctional facilities [13] | Passed [34] | 61,071 (50.21%) | 60,561 (49.79%) |
| Proposition 12 | A measure providing $26,965,000 in funding for the construction of new fisheries management facilities [13] | Passed [34] | 68,128 (55.68%) | 54,229 (44.32%) |
| Proposition 13 | A measure providing $3,654,000 in funding for new National Guard facilities [13] | Failed [34] | 41,001 (34.52%) | 77,789 (65.48%) |
| Proposition 14 | A measure providing $27,640,000 in funding for new water supply and sewage systems [13] | Passed [34] | 68,746 (57.64%) | 50,525 (42.36%) |
| Proposition 15 | A measure providing $966,000,000 in funding for the construction of a new state capital in Willow [13] | Failed [34] | 31,491 (26.18%) | 88,783 (73.82%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statehood Commission Advisory Votes | An advisory question asking whether a commission should examine Alaska's relationship to the rest of the United States [24] | Passed [35] | 46,705 (50.60%) | 45,598 (49.40%) |
| Proposition 1 | An amendment empowering the state legislature to overrule regulations adopted by state agencies [17] | Failed [36] | 58,808 (41.76%) | 82,010 (58.24%) |
| Proposition 2 | An amendment allowing legislators to accept salary increases while in office [17] | Failed [36] | 47,054 (32.06%) | 99,705 (67.94%) |
| Proposition 3 | An amendment establishing a new procedure for the legislature to create committees [17] | Failed [36] | 41,868 (29.05%) | 102,270 (70.95%) |
| Proposition 4 | An amendment granting the legislature the power to make appointments to government boards and commissions [17] | Failed [36] | 56,316 (41.16%) | 80,506 (58.84%) |
| Proposition 5 | An amendment establishing a general stock ownership corporation in Alaska [17] | Failed [36] | 72,072 (47.90%) | 78,404 (52.10%) |
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $7,718,800 in funding for improvements to fisheries facilities [13] | Passed [36] | 91,091 (60.15%) | 60,342 (39.85%) |
| Bonding Proposition B | A measure providing $33,000,000 in funding for water treatment and sewage facilities [13] | Passed [36] | 84,650 (55.94%) | 66,668 (44.06%) |
| Bonding Proposition C | A measure providing $18,787,500 in funding for energy conservation and upgrades to state buildings [13] | Failed [36] | 64,978 (43.56%) | 84,187 (56.44%) |
| Bonding Proposition D | A measure providing $28,350,000 in funding for the construction of new correctional facilities [13] | Passed [36] | 77,816 (51.91%) | 72,090 (48.09%) |
| Bonding Proposition E | A measure providing $20,000,000 in funding for the construction of cultural facilities [13] | Failed [36] | 62,545 (40.93%) | 90,255 (59.07%) |
| Bonding Proposition F | A measure providing $156,992,700 in funding for state transportation infrastructure [13] | Passed [36] | 105,122 (68.33%) | 48,726 (31.67%) |
| Bonding Proposition G | A measure providing $63,651,000 in funding for educational facilities [13] | Passed [36] | 86,958 (56.59%) | 66,718 (43.41%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $400,000,000 in funding for purchasing mortgages for veterans [13] | Passed [37] | 118,874 (63.90%) | 67,168 (36.10%) |
| Measure 1 | A measure calling for a constitutional convention [24] | Failed [37] | 63,816 (37.07%) | 108,319 (62.93%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure allowing the state to issue bonds paying for veteran's housing loans [30] | Passed [37] | 111,463 (60.69%) | 72,197 (39.31%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure modifying membership requirements for the Commission on Judicial Conduct [30] | Passed [37] | 123,172 (69.75%) | 53,424 (30.35%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure limiting appropriations to no more than $2.5 billion, adjusted for inflation and population yearly [30] | Passed [37] | 110,669 (60.97%) | 70,831 (39.03%) |
| Measure 5 | A measure claiming state ownership of all federal land in Alaska with limited exceptions for nature reserves and military property [30] | Passed [37] | 137,633 (73.04%) | 50,791 (26.96%) |
| Measure 6 | A measure prohibiting state funding of abortions in all situations except to save the life of the mother [30] | Failed [37] | 77,829 (40.79%) | 112,995 (59.21%) |
| Measure 7 | A measure prohibit the state from classifying hunters into identity categories [30] | Failed [37] | 79,679 (41.62%) | 111,770 (58.38%) |
| Measure 8 | A measure asking whether the population supported the state's intent to move the capital from Juneau to Willow [24] | Failed [37] | 91,049 (47.14%) | 102,083 (52.86%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $500,000,000 in funding for purchasing mortgages for veterans [13] | Passed [13] | 24,167 (74.57%) | 8,243 (25.43%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $700,000,000 in funding for purchasing mortgages for veterans [13] | Passed [38] | 145,258 (73.07%) | 53,548 (26.93%) |
| Legislative Annulment of Regulations Amendment | An amendment allowing the legislature to overrule executive branch regulations [17] | Failed [38] | 91,171 (48.06%) | 98,551 (51.94%) |
| Length of Legislative Sessions Amendment | An amendment requiring state legislature sessions take no more than 120 consecutive days [17] | Passed [38] | 150,999 (76.61%) | 46,099 (23.39%) |
| Reduce Transportation Regulation Initiative | A measure establishing the Alaska Transportation Commission [30] | Passed [38] | 116,891 (59.77%) | 78,663 (40.23%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 (August) | A measure acknowledging nuclear war as a threat to human existence and encouraging a nuclear weapons freeze [30] | Passed [39] | 80,326 (58.44%) | 57,125 (41.56%) |
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $600,000,000 in funding for purchasing mortgages for veterans [13] | Passed [39] | 112,672 (65.45%) | 59,482 (34.55%) |
| Measure 1 (November) | A measure allowing the state to exceed fiscal limits provided it passes a vote of the people [30] | Passed [39] | 119,775 (71.01%) | 48,909 (28.99%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure providing the legislature to overturn executive branch actions [30] | Failed [39] | 65,176 (40.87%) | 94,299 (59.13%) |
| Measure 3 | An advisory question asking whether the state should adopt a pension bonus for elderly pensioners [24] | Passed [39] | 99,222 (60.13%) | 65,789 (39.87%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | An amendment granting Alaskan residents preference over non-residents [17] | Passed [40] | 162,997 (83.74%) | 31,650 (16.26%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure preventing excessive lawsuit damages in civil lawsuits [30] | Passed [40] | 138,511 (71.87%) | 54,206 (28.13%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure establishing a state community college system [30] | Failed [40] | 83,472 (44.35%) | 104,719 (55.65%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 (August) | A measure mandating that the Alaska Railroad only operate within state borders [30] | Failed [41] | 31,612 (22.76%) | 107,269 (77.24%) |
| Measure 2 (August) | A measure creating an Alaska Gambling Board [30] | Failed [41] | 50,446 (35.71%) | 90,827 (64.29%) |
| Measure 1 (November) | A measure creating a budget reserve fund, funded with money from mineral revenue lawsuits [30] | Passed [42] | 124,280 (66.25%) | 63,307 (33.75%) |
| Measure 2 (November) | A measure criminalizing marijuana possession [30] | Passed [42] | 105,263 (54.29%) | 88,644 (45.71%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Convention Question | A measure calling for a constitutional convention [24] | Failed [43] | 84,929 (37.30%) | 142,735 (62.70%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | An amendment clarifying that the state government may not infringe people's right to bear arms [17] | Passed [44] | 153,300 (72.68%) | 57,636 (27.32%) |
| Measure 2 | An amendment adding additional rights for victims of crime, including fair treatment, access to information, and ability to view court proceedings [17] | Passed [44] | 178,858 (86.61%) | 27,641 (13.39%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure moving the state capital from Juneau to Wasilla [30] | Failed [44] | 96,398 (45.33%) | 116,277 (54.67%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure prohibiting candidates for the U.S. Senate and House from being listed on the ballot if they have served more than three terms [30] | Passed [44] [c] | 126,960 (62.97%) | 74,658 (37.03%) |
| Measure 5 | A measure requiring a vote of the people and public disclosure of information before the state may move the capital or legislature [30] | Passed [44] | 159,781 (77.40%) | 46,665 (22.60%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | An amendment establishing a procedure for any change to the Alaska Statehood Act [17] | Passed [45] | 157,936 (68.96%) | 71,082 (31.04%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure prohibiting the hunting of certain wild animals on the same day as a scouting airplane flight [30] | Passed [45] | 137,635 (58.49%) | 97,690 (41.51%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure encouraging the United States Federal Government to adopt term limits for U.S. Senators and Representatives [30] | Passed [45] | 123,167 (54.57%) | 102,533 (45.43%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 2 | A measure defining marriage as taking place between one man and one woman [30] | Passed [46] [d] | 152,965 (68.11%) | 71,631 (31.89%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure reorganizing the state reapportionment board [30] | Passed [46] | 110,768 (52.14%) | 101,686 (47.86%) |
| Measure 5 | A measure banning billboards [30] | Passed [46] | 160,922 (72.38%) | 61,401 (27.62%) |
| Measure 6 | A measure requiring the state to only use English in all official documents and actions [30] | Passed [46] | 153,107 (68.60%) | 70,085 (31.40%) |
| Measure 7 | A measure allowing candidates for office to make term limits pledges [30] | Passed [46] | 109,613 (50.20%) | 108,731 (49.80%) |
| Measure 8 | A measure legalizing medical marijuana [30] | Passed [46] | 131,586 (58.67%) | 92,701 (41.33%) |
| Measure 9 | A measure prohibiting the use of snares in wolf trapping [30] | Failed [46] | 83,224 (37.27%) | 140,049 (62.73%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Advisory Vote | A measure advising the government to use excess Alaska Permanent Fund money to balance the budget [24] | Failed [47] | 30,994 (16.75%) | 153,996 (83.25%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | A measure prohibiting ballot initiatives relating to wildlife control [21] | Failed [48] | 96,253 (34.90%) | 179,552 (65.10%) |
| Measure 2 | An amendment requiring new amendments to the Alaska Constitution be limited to a single subject [17] | Failed [48] | 114,310 (43.01%) | 151,467 (56.99%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure transferring control of the Alaska Permanent Fund to a public corporation [30] | Failed [48] | 72,419 (27.08%) | 194,975 (72.92%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure prohibiting local municipalities from setting property taxes above a certain amount [30] | Failed [48] | 80,276 (29.29%) | 193,760 (70.71%) |
| Measure 5 | A measure removing penalties for adult marijuana use [30] | Failed [48] | 114,321 (40.88%) | 165,321 (59.12%) |
| Measure 6 | A veto referendum to repeal Senate Bill 267, which allowed hunters to shoot wolves on the same day they were spotted from an airplane [30] | Passed [48] | 147,408 (53.55%) | 127,883 (46.45%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 (August) | A measure establishing a statewide ranked-choice voting system [30] | Failed [49] | 39,666 (36.27%) | 69,683 (63.73%) |
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing $500,000,000 in funding for the purchasing of veteran's mortgages [13] | Passed [50] | 156,158 (70.03%) | 66,836 (29.97%) |
| Bonding Proposition B | A measure providing $226,719,500 in funding for new transportation projects [13] | Passed [50] | 150,404 (67.75%) | 71,580 (32.25%) |
| Bonding Proposition C | A measure providing $236,805,441 in funding for new educational and museum facilities [13] | Passed [50] | 133,348 (59.60%) | 90,386 (40.40%) |
| Measure 1 (November) | A measure calling for a constitutional convention [24] | Failed [50] | 60,217 (28.36%) | 152,120 (71.64%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure moving the State Legislature from Junaeu to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough [30] | Failed [50] | 74,650 (32.77%) | 153,127 (67.23%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure creating an Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority [30] | Passed [50] | 138,353 (62.03%) | 84,682 (37.97%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | An amendment to change the process of signature gathering for ballot measures in Alaska [17] | Passed [51] | 149,236 (51.66%) | 139,642 (48.34%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure to legalize marijuana for adults older than 21. [30] | Failed [51] | 134,647 (44.25%) | 169,608 (55.75%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure banning bear baiting [30] | Failed [51] | 130,648 (43.26%) | 171,338 (56.74%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure requiring a special election if the position of United States Senator is vacated unexpectedly [30] | Passed [51] | 165,017 (55.59%) | 131,821 (44.41%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 (August) | A measure decreasing the maximum campaign contribution and instituting strict reporting requirements [30] | Passed [52] [e] | 113,130 (73.00%) | 41,836 (27.00%) |
| Measure 2 (August) | A measure raising taxes for cruise ships operating in Alaskan waters [30] | Passed [52] | 81,963 (52.07%) | 75,432 (47.93%) |
| Measure 1 (November) | A measure decreasing the length of legislative sessions from 121 days to 90 days [30] | Passed [53] | 117,675 (50.83%) | 113,832 (49.17%) |
| Measure 2 (November) | A measure creating a new tax on oil and gas-related properties [30] | Failed [53] | 80,909 (34.60%) | 152,889 (65.40%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Passed? | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advisory Vote | An amendment forbidding the state from providing same-sex partners of public employees any form of employment or retirement benefit [17] | Passed [54] | 60,896 (52.80%) | 54,442 (47.20%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | A measure establishing an Alaska Gaming Commission [30] | Failed [55] | 73,463 (38.64%) | 116,670 (61.36%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure prohibiting same day shooting of wolves and bears, with an emergency exemption for employees of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to shoot and kill wolves and bears if the prey population is documented to be the lowest possible [30] | Failed [55] | 85,619 (44.82%) | 105,417 (55.18%) |
| Measure 3 | A measure creating a voluntary system of public funding for state election campaigns [30] | Failed [55] | 67,162 (35.72%) | 120,875 (64.28%) |
| Measure 4 | A measure to create new water quality standards for mining operations [30] | Failed [55] | 83,574 (43.59%) | 108,138 (56.41%) |
| Proposition A | A measure providing $315,050,000 in funding for new state transportation projects (equivalent to $446,000,000in 2023) [13] | Passed [56] | 187,961 (63.59%) | 107,624 (36.41%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 (August) | A measure banning the use of public funds for political campaigning or lobbying [30] | Failed [57] | 62,909 (39.22%) | 97,78 (60.78%) |
| Measure 2 | A measure requiring abortion providers to notify women's parents if they are under the age of 18 [30] | Passed [57] | 90,259 (55.06%) | 70,746 (43.94%) |
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing no more than $600,000,000 in funding for veteran's mortgage bonds [13] | Passed [58] | 152,629 (61.98%) | 93,624 (38.02%) |
| Bonding Proposition B | A measure providing no more than $397,200,000 in funding for new libraries and educational facilities [13] | Passed [58] | 147,980 (59.38%) | 101,246 (40.62%) |
| Measure 1 (November) | A measure expanding the Alaska State House of Representatives and Senate [30] | Failed [58] | 99,490 (40.24%) | 147,744 (59.76%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure to allow municipalities to raise the property tax exemption from $20,000 to $50,000 with the approval of a vote of the people [30] | Passed [59] | 61,804 (50.13%) | 61,495 (49.87%) |
| Ballot Measure 2 | A measure to establish a coastal management program under the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development [30] | Failed [59] | 46,678 (37.91%) | 76,440 (62.09%) |
| Bonding Proposition A | A measure providing no more than $453,499,200 in funding for state transportation projects [13] | Passed [60] | 159,976 (58.13%) | 115,222 (41.87%) |
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure calling for a constitutional convention to amend the state constitution [24] | Failed [60] | 90,079 (33.41%) | 179,567 (66.59%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A veto referendum to repeal Senate Bill 21, which granted tax breaks to oil and gas companies and created a government board to monitor oil and gas investment. [21] | Failed [61] | 89,608 (47.30%) | 99,855 (52.70%) |
| Ballot Measure 2 | A measure to legalize marijuana for adults older than 21. [30] | Passed [62] | 149,021 (53.23%) | 130,924 (46.77%) |
| Ballot Measure 3 | A measure to raise the state minimum wage from $7.75 to $9.75 and to continue adjusting the minimum wage for inflation in the future. [30] | Passed [62] | 194,654 (69.35%) | 86,040 (30.65%) |
| Ballot Measure 4 | A measure to grant the legislature the ability to halt mining projects in Bristol Bay in order to protect wild salmon populations. [30] | Passed [62] | 180,490 (56.94%) | 93,212 (34.06%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure making voter registration automatic upon application for the annual permanent fund dividend. [30] | Passed [63] | 197,702 (64.57%) | 108,467 (35.43%) |
| Ballot Measure 2 | A constitutional amendment allowing the state to contract debt for postsecondary school loans. [17] | Failed [63] | 130,867 (44.19%) | 165,275 (55.81%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure creating salmon habitat protection standards and strengthening fishing permit requirements [30] | Failed [64] | 103,836 (37.68%) | 171,711 (67.32%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure increasing taxes on oil and gas production on the North Slope [30] | Failed [65] | 145,392 (42.14%) | 199,667 (57.86%) |
| Ballot Measure 2 | A measure creating an open primary, ranked-choice system for elections and strengthening campaign finance regulations [30] | Passed [65] | 174,032 (50.55%) | 170,251 (49.45%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure calling for a constitutional convention to amend the state constitution [66] | Failed [67] | 75,723 (29.55%) | 180,529 (70.45%) |
| Measure Name | Description | Status | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Measure 1 | A measure increasing the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour and require employers to provide earned paid sick leave for employees. | Passed | 183,477 (57.97%) | 133,040 (42.03%) |
| Ballot Measure 2 | A measure calling for the repeal of the top-four ranked-choice voting (RCV) system that was adopted in 2020. | Failed | 159,955 (49.90%) | 160,619 (50.10%) |
The Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) is an Alaskan nationalist political party in the United States that advocates for an in-state referendum which would include the option of Alaska becoming an independent country. The party also supports gun rights, direct democracy, privatization, abolishing federal land ownership, and limited government.
In the politics of the United States, the process of initiatives and referendums allow citizens of many U.S. states to place legislation on the ballot for a referendum or popular vote, either enacting new legislation, or voting down existing legislation. Citizens, or an organization, might start a popular initiative to gather a predetermined number of signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. The measure is placed on the ballot for the referendum, or actual vote.
Prior to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), U.S. state constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions of several different types passed, banning legal recognition of same-sex unions in U.S. state constitutions, referred to by proponents as "defense of marriage amendments" or "marriage protection amendments." These state amendments are different from the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would ban same-sex marriage in every U.S. state, and Section 2 of the Defense of Marriage Act, more commonly known as DOMA, which allowed the states not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The amendments define marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prevent civil unions or same-sex marriages from being legalized, though some of the amendments bar only the latter. The Obergefell decision in June 2015 invalidated these state constitutional amendments insofar as they prevented same-sex couples from marrying, even though the actual text of these amendments remain written into the state constitutions.
Bruce M. Botelho is an American attorney and politician in the U.S. state of Alaska. He served as the mayor of Juneau from 1988 to 1991 and from 2003 to 2012. Born and raised in Juneau, where his father was a top official of the Alaska Highway Patrol, Botelho has pursued concurrent careers in law and politics, largely with success. He also previously served a term as mayor from 1988 to 1991, defeating former Alaska Secretary of State Robert W. Ward in the election. He spent most of his professional career as an employee of the Alaska Department of Law. He rose to the top position in the department in 1994, when Governor Walter Hickel appointed him to be the Alaska Attorney General. Retained by Hickel's successor, Tony Knowles, Botelho served as Attorney General for nearly nine years before retiring from state service.
Elections in Oregon are all held using a Vote by Mail (VBM) system. This means that all registered voters receive their ballots via postal delivery and can vote from their homes. A state Voters’ Pamphlet is mailed to every household in Oregon about three weeks before each statewide election. It includes information about each measure and candidate in the upcoming election.
The Libertarian Party of Alaska is the affiliate of the Libertarian Party (LP) in Alaska, headquartered in Anchorage.
Direct democracy refers to decision making or direct vote a proposal, law, or political issue by the electorate, rather than being voted on by representatives in a state or local legislature or council.
Harriet A. Drummond is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives since January 18, 2013 who has represented District 16. She ran to represent District 17 in the Alaska legislature and lost to William Fields, by 752 votes.
Peter Gene Kelly is an American politician who served as a member of the Alaska Senate. He also served as President of the Alaska State Senate from 2017 to 2019. Kelly previously served in the Alaska Legislature in the Alaska House of Representatives and Senate from 1995 until 2003. He was defeated for re-election in 2018, losing to state representative Scott Kawasaki.
Kevin Gerald Meyer is an American politician who served as the 14th lieutenant governor of Alaska from 2018 to 2022. He was a Republican member of the Alaska Senate from January 20, 2009 to December 3, 2018, representing District M. He was president of the Alaska Senate, leading a caucus of 14 Republicans and 1 Democrat from 2015 to 2017. Meyer served in the Alaska Legislature continuously from 2003 to 2018, in both the Alaska House of Representatives and Senate, previously representing the district when it was District O. He works as an investment recovery coordinator for ConocoPhillips.
Alaska state elections in 2020 were held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Aside from its party-run Democratic presidential primary held on April 10, its primary elections were held on August 18, 2020.
Alaska Measure 2 was a ballot initiative approved by voters in Alaska as part of the 2020 United States elections. The proposal switched Alaska's primary system to a non-partisan blanket primary. The top four candidates progress to the general election, which is conducted with ranked-choice voting. Voting for U.S. president will continue to utilize primaries based on political party, but ranked-choice voting will still be used in the general election. The initiative also requires additional disclosures of campaign financing.
The 2022 Alaska House of Representatives elections were held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, with the primary election on August 16, 2022. Voters in the 40 districts of the Alaska House of Representatives elected their representatives, in conjunction with state senate elections and the biennial United States elections for federal offices.
The 2022 Alaska Senate elections took place on November 8, 2022, with the primary elections being held on August 16, 2022. State senators serve four-year terms in the Alaska Senate, with half of the seats normally up for election every two years. However, because most districts were greatly changed in redistricting, elections were held for 19 of the 20 seats; the only exception is District T, represented by Democrat Donny Olson, which was mostly unchanged in redistricting and thus did not have an election. Some senators were elected to serve four-year terms, while others would serve shortened two-year terms.
A final-four or final-five primary is an electoral system using a nonpartisan primary by multi-winner plurality in the first step.
