By Peter Zuyus

This is the third time Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is on the ballot. While many against RCV say “third time is a charm,” so  do many RCV supporters say “third time is a charm.”

It will be for some folks!
November will tell!

Let’s review the Alaska version of RCV with facts — not for or against  — just the facts.

FACT: Alaska RCV  is only half RCV. 

FACT: Alaska RCV is half open primary.

FACT: The Primary Election is a one-person, one-vote traditional election. The top four candidates for the General Election will be picked by voters.

FACT: Under RCV, political party leadership does NOT decide who runs for office. They DO advise and recommend.

FACT: In RCV independent and unaffiliated Alaska voters will have a say in who the candidates for office are.

Note: Independents are over 50% of voters, with Republicans at 24% and Democrats at 16%.
Open primary appears fair to all voters and the American/Alaska way.

FACT: The RCV General Election is purely optional. You can vote for ONE person OR you can make second, third or fourth choices. 

It is simple , you can do ONE person, one vote OR you can choose the RCV format.

FACT: you can always select a second-choice candidate in the General Election. However. you should believe that person would be a good choice if your preferred personal choice loses.

FACT: The first candidate to reach 50% is the victor.

FACT: In the event of a tie, the election may be settled by coin toss.

The decision to be made  by voters in November 2026: Do you want to keep the open primary with RCV a personal option in the general? Yes or No?

So, in a way it is a simple choice: Do you want an OPEN Primary? With an RCV  General Election?

Or, do you want a return to the traditional closed primary, party candidate selection of candidates by the party itself, with one person, one vote in the General Election?

Your vote is private, so vote your personal choice.

It sounds simple because it is.  The choice is yours.  Whatever your position, If you care. Please vote!

The future direction  of Alaska voting  is in your hands.

Something to think about: Some candidates running for office are publicly against RCV.  If they do not believe in the RCV format, how can they run for office in an RCV election?

Why are they running? If they win because of RCV, will they admit their victory was because of RCV?

Or step down in protest?

Just questions.

Please remember the old saying:  “If  you don’t vote, Don’t complain.”