The League of Women Voters of Alaska is a nonpartisan, grassroots, statewide volunteer organization. Our mission is: Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy. We never support or oppose political candidates, but we do take positions on statewide issues, including ballot initiatives, after extensive research and analysis.

We are in strong support of Alaska’s current election law, which includes a nonpartisan open primary, dark-money disclosure rules and ranked-choice voting. This law was approved by voters in 2020 and reaffirmed by the electorate in 2024. The league supports Alaska’s election process because we view it as a more inclusive, representative and functional democratic system than party-controlled elections.

Here are specific reasons why we urge a no vote on Ballot Measure 2:

With 63% of Alaska voters not registered with a political party, an open primary where we select any candidate of our choice just makes sense. Without an open primary, political party control will return, with each party again establishing the rules for who may participate. This means that parties control who is on the primary ballot and whether you need to be registered as a member to vote in their primary.

“Dark money” is money spent to influence an election when voters cannot see who originally provided the funding. Alaska’s 2020 law added a “true source” requirement so that funding could be traced back to whoever actually paid for it. Ballot Measure 2 would repeal that requirement.

This is particularly important with spending from independent expenditure groups allowed to proliferate after the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court Citizens United decision.

Without Alaska’s dark-money disclosure rules, we wouldn’t be able to see who is actually funding contributions. It also eliminates the paid-for-by disclaimers on broadcast and digital advertising, drops the disclosure requirement for contributions over $2,000 a year, and removes fines for certain disclosure violations.

Ranked-choice voting provides the voter with the choice of ranking candidates in order of preference — or not ranking, if that is their preference. The system ultimately ensures broader support for the winning candidate. 

It ensures that the winner has majority support (50%+1), rather than just a plurality (the most votes in a particular race). 

Alaska’s election system increases representation and reduces polarization. Candidates and elected officials work to communicate with a broader swath of constituents as opposed to only those with a particular political affiliation. This reduced polarization greatly impacts how candidates work with their peers once elected.

For all of the above reasons, the League of Women Voters of Alaska urges a no vote on Ballot Measure 2 on Nov. 3.

Marianne Mills

and Sarah Moore

co-presidents,

League of Women Voters of Alaska