What is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 18 primary?

Sunday, July 19. To register online or by paper, visit the Alaska Division of Elections website.

What will I be voting on in the primary?

You get one vote for each race. The top four candidates from each race will be on the November ballot, which will use ranked choice voting. Additionally, there will be a ballot initiative on campaign finance. To get more information on the ballot initiative: to re-establish campaign donation limits for state and local elections.

You will vote for one of 17 candidates running for Governor, 16 candidates for U.S. Senate, and 15 candidates for U.S. House. You will also be voting on your local Alaska Senate and House races.

How does this primary work?

Alaska is one of five states with an open, nonpartisan primary, which means all candidates for an office are placed on a single ballot, regardless of political affiliation. All registered voters get this ballot and can vote for one candidate per race. The top four vote-getters in each race advance to the general election, where voters may rank all candidates in order of preference for each race.

How can I get an absentee ballot?

Voters can apply online at the Alaska Division of Elections website for an absentee ballot to be mailed to them . The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Aug. 8.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license or Alaska State ID. The information you enter must match what’s on your Division of Motor Vehicles record. If you don’t have that information, click “Paper Application” and send in the form by mail, email or fax. If you want to vote in Borough/City elections and you want to vote absentee, you need to apply at the Kenai Peninsula Borough website.

How do I submit my absentee ballot?

Return your completed ballot by mail to the return address on the ballot envelope. It must be postmarked by primary day, Tuesday, Aug. 18. It can also be delivered to a voting office near you. We recommend two stamps. The most common mistake on absentee ballots is not having a witness signature, and that signature is accompanied by at least one voter identifier.

Can I vote in person before primary day?

In-person absentee voting and in-person locations will be listed by the state about a month before the primary. Most locations will open Monday, August 3, although dates and times may vary. Get more information at the Division of Elections website.

Where do I find my polling place?

Visit the Division of Elections website. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Do I need identification to vote?

Yes, when voting in person, you’ll be asked for one of the following: a driver’s license, voter ID, state ID card, US Military ID, U.S. Passport, hunting or fishing license, tribal ID or another valid ID. You can present a utility bill, paycheck, government check bank statement, or other government-issued document showing your current name and address.

If I am not on the voter register, what can I do when I show up to vote?

You can vote a question ballot. The question ballot will then go to the canvas board, which will determine if your ballot can be counted. Approximately 30 days after the election, you will receive a letter if your ballot was rejected.

Where can I go to learn about everything I will be voting on for this Primary all in one place?

Visit the Division of Elections website.

This link gives you a good synopsis of what you will vote on. The state will send an election pamphlet to every voter’s household for the general election.


This Alaska Primary Election Q & A was prepared by Kenai Peninsula Votes and the League of Women Voters of the Kenai Peninsula. For more information, email KPV: Kenaipeninsulavotes@gmail.com or LWV of Kenai: lwvkenai@gmail.com or visit the Alaska Division of Elections website.