Early voting for Alaska’s general election kicked off on Monday, Oct. 19, drawing long queues of residents eager to make their voices heard ahead of the Nov. 3 showdown. With major statewide contests and decisive ballot measures on the line, participation surged right out of the gate as voters weighed in on everything from legislative seats to the future of the state's electoral system.
In Anchorage, enthusiasm was evident early as a line began forming at the Midtown Mall before polling doors opened at 8 a.m. By 1 p.m., more than 170 individuals stood waiting to cast their ballots, with wait times stretching beyond an hour. Meanwhile, in Juneau, roughly 15 voters gathered at the State Office Building polling place by noon to complete their civic duty.
The unfolding election features a crowded and closely watched gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Following an August primary that winnowed a field of 17 contenders down to the top four, the remaining candidates vying for the office are Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins alongside Republicans Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor. Voters will utilize a ranked-choice voting system across the general election ballot, which also includes races for the state’s lone U.S. House seat, the U.S. Senate, and 50 out of 60 seats in the Alaska Legislature.
High Stakes in Congressional Contests and Ballot Measures
The U.S. Senate contest pits Democratic former U.S. Concurrently, the race for Alaska’s U.S. House seat features independent candidate Bill Hill challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Nick Begich.
Voters are also weighing two major ballot measures. Ballot Measure 2 proposes repealing the state’s nonpartisan open primary and ranked-choice voting system established in 2020, returning primary elections to party control and dismantling certain campaign finance disclosure requirements. Ballot Measure 3 seeks to enshrine in state law that only U.S. citizens may vote, though existing state statutes already mandate citizenship for eligibility. Voters also face judicial retention questions, including a rare recommendation from the Alaska Judicial Council urging voters to reject two Kenai judges.
For those opting to cast ballots before Election Day, the Alaska Division of Elections lists 10 dedicated early voting sites statewide, including locations in Anchorage, Juneau, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, Kenai, Fairbanks, and Nome. Voters must present identification, such as a driver’s license, voter ID, tribal ID, hunting or fishing license, or an official document displaying their name and address like a utility bill.
Alaskans Vote Early to Seek Change or Avoid Noise
On the ground, Alaskans expressed varied motivations for heading to the polls early. Tamara Ramsey, who endured a lengthy wait at the Midtown Mall in Anchorage, emphasized the pressing need for change. “We need a change,” Ramsey said. “I don’t feel like things are what they should be, so it’s very important to show up and do your part.”
Others pointed to mounting fatigue from relentless political advertisements and polling calls as a driving force behind their early participation. Margaret Bergerud of Juneau noted she was glad to get the process finished early to avoid weeks of campaign noise, while Dee Ginter of Chugiak hoped casting an early ballot would put an end to frequent, pointed inquiries from pollsters.
Conversely, some residents opted to delay their decisions. George Fisher, visiting the Juneau State Office Building, chose to wait in order to monitor any late-breaking developments before finalizing his choices for governor and his vote on Ballot Measure 2.
Deadlines and What Comes Next
Early voting and in-person absentee voting remain open through Nov. 2. Registered voters looking to vote by mail must request an absentee ballot by Oct. 24, while electronic requests via email or fax are accepted through Nov. 2. Completed mail-in ballots must carry a postmark on or before Election Day on Nov. 3, and must arrive at the Division of Elections within 10 days—or 15 days for out-of-state mail—to be counted. Voters can verify designated polling places, track requirements, and review sample ballots directly through the Alaska Division of Elections.
