Alaska voters reject ballot measure seeking to repeal open primaries, ranked voting system

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska voters have rejected the latest attempt to repeal the state’s system of open primaries and ranked choice voting in general elections.

The ballot measure, decided as part of the Nov. 3 election, marked the second time in two years that voters have rejected attempts to overturn the system and revert to partisan primaries and to general elections in which just one candidate can be selected. The measure also would have repealed some campaign disclosure rules.

Voters in 2020 narrowly adopted the new system, which was used for the first time in 2022. Supporters of open primaries and ranked voting say it gives voters more choices and forces candidates to build a broader coalition of support. They also say it’s had a moderating effect on the state Legislature, which has been governed under bipartisan coalitions in recent years.

Opponents, including President Donald Trump, say it’s confusing. Trump has railed against the system for years. Elon Musk was among the donors trying to the repeal effort.

Ruth Hall, deputy campaign manager for the successful No on 2 campaign, said in a statement that the win was decisive.

“When Alaskans say we want the freedom to choose the best person for the job, regardless of party affiliation, and the right to know who is spending in our elections, we mean it,” Hall said.

A message seeking comment also was left for a leader of the repeal effort.

Under open primaries, all candidates in a race appear together on the ballot, and the top four vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the ranked vote general election.

The major political parties and campaigns have sometimes put pressure on candidates who placed lower during the primary to drop out of the general election in hopes of clearing a better path for the candidates with the highest profiles.

Becky Bohrer, The Associated Press