“Ballot Measure 2 is a bit of a Trojan horse … repealing RCV, that is only a fraction of what the measure does.” - Scott Kendall, an opponent of Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal open primaries and ranked choice voting, pointed out that it would also repeal some of the state’s campaign finance disclosure rules.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher listen to testimony at a July 27, 2026, in Anchorage hearing on Ballot Measure 2. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
By Corinne Smith
Alaskans will decide whether to overhaul the state’s elections system with a ballot measure that would repeal ranked choice voting, reinstate closed primaries and repeal campaign disclosure rules established in 2020.
Ballot Measure 2, which will appear on the ballots as 24ESEG, is one of two ballot measures that will appear on the general election ballot in November. Ballot Measure 1, which would impose campaign contribution limits, will be on the primary ballot on Aug. 18.
The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau is seen on Apr. 24, 2026. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
By Will Koepper, Anchorage Press
Money isn’t everything.
But in politics, it sure helps. Candidates, generally, can’t run effective campaigns without it, and those who raise the most are far more likely to win.
The 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit will bring together state lawmakers and legislative staff from the 50 states and U.S. territories from July 27-29 in Chicago. (Photo by Leontura/Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Tim Storey and Sue Urahn
Like two sides of a coin imprinted with the nation’s motto, “e pluribus unum” — out of many, one — America’s political factions are cast in opposition, but they are intrinsically bound together as parts of a larger whole.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Alaska Legislature opens third gasline special session with no fanfare and even less optimism | James Brooks and Corinne Smith
Commentary: How Alaskans can help native bees thrive | Timothy Bundy
Commentary: Alaska’s biggest economic engine lacks visibility | Ross Johnston
Flood of poll watchers, observers, monitors to descend on midterm voters | States Newsroom
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