As controversy looms in the Alaska senate race, the state’s voting system is on the ballot

Alaska voters decide on November 3 whether to scrap the election system they approved six years ago, a choice that lands just as the state's U.S. Senate contest between Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola could help determine control of the chamber. Ballot Measure 2 would end nonpartisan open primaries, where the top four finishers move on, and the ranked choice method used in the general election. Wealthy donors have poured millions into both camps: Elon Musk and Jeff Yass back repeal, while Michael Bloomberg and Kathryn Murdoch have outspent them on the other side, according to MS NOW.

MAGA-aligned Republicans say the setup tilts races toward Democrats and point to an alleged effort to put a second Dan Sullivan on the ballot as a spoiler. Greg Powers of Repeal Now says ranking invites gamesmanship, since voters who mark only one name could mistakenly back the wrong Sullivan.

Defenders, including architect Scott Kendall, say open primaries free lawmakers from partisan punishment and make bipartisan legislative coalitions steadier. Democratic state Rep. Ashley Carrick notes that 64 percent of Alaska voters belong to no party. Supporters warn a repeal could dampen reform efforts elsewhere.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →