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Senate Rules Committee Introduces Comprehensive Legislation to Modernize and Strengthen Alaska’s Election System
Juneau, AK – Today, the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, introduced Senate Bill 64 to modernize and strengthen Alaska’s election system. The proposal addresses the concern that there are more registered voters in Alaska than the Alaskan adult population and the bill seeks to update state statutes to ensure that all eligible votes are counted, election results are reported more quickly, and voter lists are updated efficiently and appropriately without disenfranchising voters. Senate Bill 64 also addresses the use and public disclosure of artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes used by campaigns and establishes a cybersecurity program within the Division of Elections.
“This is a comprehensive approach to clean up Alaska’s voter rolls and modernize Alaska’s electoral system while continuing to promote fairness and transparency,” said Sen. Wielechowski. “This legislation includes provisions originally proposed by Republican, Democratic, and Independent legislators, and seeks to ensure that Alaska’s elections are safe and secure.”
Key Components of Senate Bill 64:
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Voter Roll Cleanup: Expedites removal of ineligible voters who have established residency in another state.
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Faster Election Results: Requires the Division of Elections to start scanning absentee ballots beginning seven days before the election so those results can be reported when the polls close and requires ranked-choice tabulation to be included when all unofficial results are released.
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Ensuring All Eligible Alaskan Votes Are Counted: Repeals the unverified witness signature requirement on absentee mail-in ballots, prevents rejection of special needs ballots due to errors by poll workers or their representatives, and establishes a ballot curing process to allow voters to correct mistakes on their ballots.
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Voter Registration: Allows Alaskans to register or change their voter registration through election day, similar to twenty-three states and the District of Colombia.
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Banning Deepfakes: Requires disclosures of the use of deceptive synthetic media, commonly referred to as “deepfakes,” to influence Alaska elections and provides a path for legal recourse for defamation.
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Secure and Transparent Elections: Requires the Division of Elections to establish a cybersecurity program, requires absentee ballot tracking, and increases access for election observers.
“This bipartisan approach puts voters first by ensuring every eligible Alaskan has the tools they need to make their voice heard,” said Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. “Eliminating unnecessary barriers and modernizing how we count ballots will not only make our elections more accessible and transparent but will further build trust and integrity in the system.”
Senate Bill 64 is a culmination of proposals introduced by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents in past legislative sessions. The legislation is designed to ensure that Alaska’s election processes are transparent, fair, and able to meet the changing dynamics of today’s technological and electoral needs.
“Alaskans need to trust that their votes count and that our election system is secure,” said Sen. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks. “This bill tackles some of the biggest concerns we hear from Alaska voters—ensuring their ballots are handled safely, curtailing deceptive practices like deepfakes, and modernizing cybersecurity protections. When voters have confidence in the integrity of our elections, it strengthens our entire democracy.”
Senate Bill 64 was referred to the Senate State Affairs and Senate Finance Committees.
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