Alaska Votes for Ranked Choice Voting for the Third Time
November 14, 2026 – For the third time in six years, Alaskans have voted for their election system – which includes an open, all-candidate primary and a ranked choice voting general election. Alaskans voted for the system by their largest margin ever (currently seven points); “No on 2” is outperforming every statewide candidate on the ballot.
Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, said:
“Alaska’s election system has won three times in a row. The message from voters is clear: it’s here to stay.
“That’s because ranked choice voting and open primaries are delivering for Alaska. Voters get more choice, elections are more competitive, and candidates need majority support to win elections.
“Most importantly, in every election since they adopted RCV and open primaries, Alaskans have elected a cross-partisan legislature that actually gets things done – and puts Alaskan voters above party politics.
“I am proud of my home state, for showing the rest of the country that better elections and government are possible – and how to get there.”
Ranked Choice Voting on Election Day 2026
In addition to Alaska, voters in Irvine, CA and Longmont, CO voted to adopt ranked choice voting. RCV has won 36 of its last 38 city ballot measures.
In the last decade, RCV has grown from just 10 cities to over 50 cities, counties, and states home to over 17 million people.
Results Timing in Alaska
Ranked choice voting is not responsible for results delays in Alaska – as we see from this “Yes/No” ballot measure that won by 7+ points taking 10 days to call. We have had preliminary, unofficial RCV tallies since Election Night, based on the state’s “cast vote records.” FairVote has also produced an interactive that allows users to visualize possible outcomes in Alaska’s U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.
Alaska accepts ballots for 15 days after election day, and has a long history of close races taking the entire 15 days to call – including U.S. Senate elections in 2010 and 2008, and a “Yes/No” ballot measure in 2024. None of these races used RCV.
Additional Resources:
- FairVote: How will remaining ballots affect Alaska’s statewide elections?
- FairVote: Preliminary ranked choice voting results in Alaska’s 2026 elections
- State Sen. Cathy Giessel (R), Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I), Rep. Ky Holland (N), Rep. Zack Fields (D): We govern across the aisle. Alaska’s open primary makes it possible.
- Sightline Institute:
- Unite America: Alaska’s election model
- R Street Institute: Evaluating the Effects of the Top-Four System in Alaska
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FairVote is a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections for all. We research and advance voting reforms that make democracy more functional and representative for every American.
