Pick-one primary

It’s primary election day in Alaska, which is a big day for the Alaska Beacon.

We’ll have you covered all day: from morning coverage of the polls, through the Anchorage watch parties and the first partial, preliminary results from the Division of Elections… and we’ll be up into the wee hours of the morning to bring the latest updates to your inbox tomorrow.

The Beacon doesn’t have a paywall, pop-ups or ads. During an election year, that’s more important than ever.

Voters deserve access to accurate, independent journalism. We are proud to equip our readers with the information they need to cast their votes, and we hope you’ve found our work valuable.

— Claire Stremple, Editor-in-Chief

Voters line up on Aug. 17, 2026, at the early voting station set up in Anchorage’s Midtown Mall. Voters reported waiting about an hour to cast their primary election ballots. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Polls open at 7 a.m. on Alaska’s pick-one, top-four statewide primary election day

By James Brooks

Over a month ago, Shelley Cotton cast the first vote in Alaska’s statewide primary election, downloading a blank ballot and sending it quickly by mail from Texas to Alaska.

Since then, more than 31,000 other Alaskans have cast their ballots, and starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, tens of thousands more residents will vote in an election that will start to decide who Alaska’s next governor will be.

Planning to vote? Check out the 2026 AlaskaVoter Guide! This year, the Alaska Beacon worked with Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media and KTOO to bring you all the information you need on candidates, races, and important dates.

Creating this free guide requires significant resources. If you’ve found our journalism valuable, consider supporting the Beacon today.

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The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau is seen on Apr. 24, 2026. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

5 legislative races to watch in Alaska’s Tuesday primary election

By Corinne Smith

There are five competitive races for the Alaska House and Senate in this year’s primary election, where candidates are vying for the top four places in order to advance to the ranked choice general election in November.

Early voting has begun across Alaska, and ends on Tuesday with polls closing at 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on May 18, 2026. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

COMMENTARY

Alaska politicians sport beards and bear-hunting bona fides to claim authenticity

By Kaitlin Jade Armstrong

I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram when I learned that Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, or JKT, had entered the governor’s race.

My interest was piqued — not so much by the announcement as the photo attached to it. Framed by a majestic Sitka mountainscape, JKT sports a blue flannel button up — classic Alaska campaign-wear. I took a screenshot, zoomed in, and squinted. Did he always have that beard?

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Alaska gubernatorial candidates weigh in on working with the press, public engagement, AI use | Corinne Smith
After historic crash, Yukon River’s iconic king salmon run shows early signs of rebound | Anchorage Press
After Alaska’s ‘final four’ primary, a silent primary may decide who’s on the ballot in November | James Brooks
Alaska Republican candidate for governor appears to massively violate a donation limit | James Brooks
New rule allows dogs on Alaska’s Pribilof Islands for anti-rat duties | Yereth Rosen
Think your dog makes you safer in bear country? The data say otherwise. | Mountain Journal
Alaska judge confirms legislative candidate for primary despite blank financial disclosure form | James Brooks

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