Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

October 2, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2026 General Election is on Tuesday, November 3. We want voters to feel confident and informed about their vote, so we'll be reviewing ballot measures and voting procedures in our weekly emails leading up to the election. We encourage every eligible Alaskan to vote in the 2026 General Election!

We start with Ballot Measure 2, whether to repeal single-vote, single-ballot open primaries; ranked choice general elections; and disclosure of campaign contributions. And we show you how to check your voter registration status and provide important election dates.

Read on to learn more.

Each of the next five weeks, we are sharing information about the November 3rd general election. We will review both Ballot Measures and provide important voting information to help Alaskans understand the voting process and what to expect when you cast your ballot. Our goal is to provide helpful information and resources so that every Alaskan can feel confident and informed when we vote.

Election Series

Ballot Measure 2

Should We Repeal Single-Vote Open Primaries and Ranked-Choice General Elections?

Ballot Measure No. 2 is a petition to repeal single-vote, single-ballot open primaries and ranked-choice general elections, return to a closed party primary system, and eliminate campaign finance disclosure provisions that require persons and entities to accurately disclose the sources of the political contributions. This question will be on the 2026 General Election ballot on November 3rd.

Supporters of the repeal in Ballot Measure 2 contend that ranked-choice voting is confusing, delays the official vote count after the election, and is an unpredictable process. Rather than a single-vote, single-ballot open primary, they support a return to closed party primaries. They also assert that the ballot measure will restore pre-2020 campaign disclosure laws. You can view the official statement of support for Ballot Measure 2 online in the official general election pamphlet.

Opponents of the repeal in Ballot Measure 2 contend that Alaskans prefer single-vote, single-ballot open primaries because over 60% of Alaska voters are independent and non-partisan. Further, ranked-choice general elections allow voters to cast a ballot for any candidate from any party, saves money on runoff elections, increases voter participation, and makes it easier for more candidates to run for office. They emphasize that rejecting this ballot measure will maintain current campaign finance laws, including Ballot Measure 1 that established new campaign finance limits. You can view the official statement of opposition for Ballot Measure 2 online in the official general election pamphlet.

A YES vote eliminates the single-vote, single-ballot open primaries; eliminates ranked-choice general elections; returns to closed-party primaries; and eliminates campaign finance disclosure provisions that require accurate disclosure of the sources of political contributions.

A NO vote maintains the single-vote, single-ballot open primaries; maintains ranked-choice general elections; and maintains the campaign disclosure requirements approved by voters in 2020 and the new campaign disclosure limits approved by voters in 2026 Ballot Measure 1.

Election Reminders

→ Voter Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 4.

In addition to normal business hours, the Division of Elections offices will be open to assist with voter registration on the following dates and times:

Saturday, October 3, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Sunday, October 4, from 12:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

→ Absentee in-person and early voting starts October 19th.

You can find a voting location near you online at https://www.elections.alaska.gov/avo/

→ The last day to request an absentee ballot: Saturday, October 24.

→ The general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3.

→ Check your voter registration online at myvoterportal.alaska.gov

Community Events

First Friday Downtown

When: Friday, October 2

Where: Downtown Anchorage

Cost: Varies

Enjoy the First Friday of October in Downtown Anchorage! Support local businesses, enjoy local food, music, fashion, and fun. More information online here.

Alaska BOOtanical Garden

When: September 11, 2026 - October 18, 2026

Where: Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Road)

Cost: $8 per person, free for members & children ages 6 and under.

Take a spooky stroll through the Garden. Enjoy harvest-themed displays, whimsical photo ops, and festive fun for all ages. Costumes encouraged! More information online here.

Make it Alaskan Market

When: Friday, October 2, 5-9pm; Saturday, October 3, 10am-6pm; and Sunday, October 4, 12pm-5pm.

Where: Egan Center

Cost: Free

Kickoff the holiday market season with a huge selection of locally made products, home decor, jewelry, arts, crafts, gifts and so much more all weekend! More information online here.