Search by State and Topic

Alaska does not have a statewide ballot curing process for absentee/mail ballots. Only the City of Anchorage has a ballot curing (correcting) process, and the deadline to correct a ballot is no later than 4pm on the day the canvassing board meets, which is on or before the third Friday after the election. If the signature on a ballot return envelope is missing or is deemed invalid, Anchorage election officials will send you a letter explaining what happened, and you will have to fill out a form and direct you to return it or come to the location in the letter and present a valid ID to sign a verification form. If you voted a provisional (questioned) ballot, you will receive a letter from election officials notifying you if your ballot was rejected or partially counted. You can track the status of your ballot using your state’s online tool. 

WHO CAN REGISTER TO VOTE IN ALASKA? 

To register you must be: 

• A US citizen. 
• An Alaska resident 
• At least 18 years of age or within 90 days of your 18th birthday 
• Not be convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, unless your voting rights have been restored 
• Not be registered to vote in another state unless you are willing to cancel your registration in that state 

WHO CAN VOTE IN ALASKA? 

You may vote if: 

• You are a US citizen 
• Are 18 years of age or older 
• Have been a resident of the state and of the election district that you seek to vote for at least 30 days before an election 
• Have registered to vote on or before the registration deadline; and are not registered to vote in any other jurisdiction 

CAN I VOTE IF I HAVE A FELONY CONVICTION? 

In Alaska, you are not eligible to vote if you are convicted of a felony. Your voting rights may be restored following the completion of your sentence, including prison term, probation, and parole. The Division of Elections must receive proof of your unconditional discharge from the supervising entity before you can register to vote. Pretrial detention and misdemeanors do not impact your voting rights. 

CAN I REGISTER AND VOTE IF I DON’T HAVE A TRADITIONAL ADDRESS? 

Citizens don't need a "permanent home" for voter registration. A citizen can provide an alternative description of their residence, even if they are experiencing homelessness, as long as it enables the authorities to identify and assign a voting precinct. The description must indicate where they live, such as highway name and milepost number, boat harbor, pier and slip number, subdivision name with lot and block or trailer park name, and space number. They may provide the community's name as their residence address if they live in rural Alaska. This precinct assignment ensures that the voter receives the appropriate ballot. The mailing address on their registration form can be a P.O. box, local shelter, advocacy organization, outreach center, or the home of someone who will accept mail for them. 

Alaska has a “top four” primary system. All candidates appear on the same ballot and all voters get the same ballot. Voters choose one candidate from each race. The top four candidates from each race will move on to the General Election.

If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.

All general elections in the state of Alaska are conducted by Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). RCV allows you to rank candidates in order of preference. Only the top four candidates who received the greatest number of votes for any office in the primary will appear on the general election ballot. There will still be a space for write-in candidates. If no candidate receives a majority of 1st choice votes in the 1st round of counting, more rounds of counting continue until a candidate reaches a majority. For more information on RCV and frequently asked questions, click here.

Official results are never available on Election Day. Election officials are working around the clock to count an unprecedented number of ballots, and it’s essential that they take the time to make sure every vote is counted

Official election results will be uploaded on Alaska’s Division of Elections website as they become available.

What is a ballot drop box?

A drop box is a secure, locked structure operated by election officials where voters can deliver their absentee ballot any time, day or night.

Are drop boxes available in my state?

Yes, ballot drop boxes are available in Alaska. 

Where can I find ballot drop box locations?

Secure ballot drop boxes will be located at the following locations. Voted ballots can be delivered to any Division of Elections office or any voting location.

DO I NEED TO SHOW ID WHEN I VOTE IN ALASKA? 

Yes. Alaska law requires that you show ID when voting in person. 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO VOTE IN ALASKA? 

You can show one of the following forms of ID: 

• Official voter registration card 
• Driver’s license 
• State ID card 
• US passport 
• Other current and valid photo ID 
• Birth certificate 
• Hunting or fishing license 

If it shows your name and current address:  

• A current utility bill 
• Bank statement 
• Paycheck 
• Government check 
• Other government document 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE ID WHEN I GO VOTE? 

If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you can vote a questioned (provisional) ballot. Your vote will count if election officials can verify your eligibility. In some cases, the ID requirement may be waived if the election official personally knows you. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

Vote-by-mail (absentee voting) is available in Alaska and no excuse is required.  The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is 10 days before the election. The deadline to apply online, by email, in person, or by fax is by 5pm the day before Election Day.  

You can return your absentee ballot request form through mail, in person at your local elections office, by fax, email, or online if you have a valid Alaska driver’s license or state ID card. 

Voted ballots must be received within 10 days if postmarked by Election Day or delivered in person or by fax by 8pm on Election Day. You can sign up to track your absentee ballot on your Division of Elections website.   

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ABSENTEE?  

In Alaska, all registered voters can apply to vote absentee. 

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?  

The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is 10 days before the election. The deadline to apply online, by email, in person, or by fax is by 5pm the day before Election Day. 

DO I HAVE TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT EACH YEAR? 

Yes, absentee ballot applications are available anytime for each calendar year. You can request a ballot for one election or for all elections in the year. 

 HOW DO I VOTE ABSENTEE? 

Alaska has a few options for voting for absentee: 

• In person: available 15 days before an election
• By mail: deadline to apply is 10 days before an election
• Online: available 15 days before an election. You can apply online and mark your ballot online, but you’ll need to print the ballot package and deliver it by mail, in person, or by fax.
• By fax: available 15 days before an election. When returning a ballot by fax, you are voluntarily waiving your right to a secret ballot. 

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING A VOTED ABSENTEE BALLOT?  

Voted ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or delivered in person or by fax by 8pm on Election Day. 

WHEN ARE ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAILED OUT TO VOTERS WHO HAVE REQUESTED THEM?  

Election officials start mailing out absentee ballots 25 days before Election Day. Please apply early to receive your ballot in time.  

If your absentee ballot is to be sent to a remote area of Alaska, you may request a special advance ballot on this site. A special advance ballot will be mailed 45 days before the election.  

HOW DO I COMPLETE MY ABSENTEE BALLOT BY MAIL?  

1. Mark Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot package in the mail, mark your choices then place your ballot into the secrecy sleeve and then into the ballot return envelope.
2. Sign Your Voter Certificate and Identification Sheet: In front of a witness and provide at least one identifier. Your witness must be 18 years of age or older and must also sign the Voter Certificate and Identification sheet.
3. Return Your Ballot: The return ballot envelope must be postmarked on or before Election Day. To ensure timely postmarks, the state elections division recommends you have the USPS postal clerk hand cancel your ballot at the counter. 

HOW DO I RETURN MY ABSENTEE BALLOT?  

You can return your voted ballot by mail, in-person, or by fax to your local elections office. You can also hand-deliver your ballot to an early voting site or your polling place. It cannot be returned by email. 

CAN I TRACK MY MAILED ABSENTEE BALLOT?  

You can sign up to track your absentee ballot on your Division of Elections website.   

WHAT IF I REQUESTED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BUT WANT TO VOTE IN PERSON?  

Those who requested an absentee ballot but end up voting in person may be able to. Do not mail a ballot and vote in person. Voters should destroy and dispose of their absentee ballot if they end up voting in-person. Voters should contact the Alaska Absentee and Petition Office to determine their options. Find their contact information here. 

HOW DO I VOTE ABSENTEE BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE? 

If you are a qualified voter who is disabled, you may apply for an absentee ballot through a personal representative who can bring the ballot to you. A personal representative can be anyone over 18, except a candidate for office in the election, your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union. Ballots are available 15 days before the primary, general or statewide special election at any regional elections office. 

The personal representative brings the completed application to an election official for a ballot and takes the ballot to you. You complete a certificate authorizing the personal representative to carry your ballot, vote the ballot privately, place it in a secrecy sleeve and seal it inside the envelope provided. The personal representative brings the voted ballot back to the election official by 8pm on Election Day. 

HOW DO I REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT AS AN OVERSEAS OR US MILITARY VOTER?  

Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation. 

AM I REQUIRED TO SHOW ID TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN ALASKA? 

Yes. If you register online, by mail, fax, or email, and aren't already registered to vote in Alaska, you must show ID either when you register or the first time you vote. 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN ALASKA? 

To register or update your information online, you’ll need your current Alaska driver’s license or state ID. 

To register or update your information by email, mail, or fax, you can use one of the following: 

• A current and valid photo ID 
• Alaska driver’s license 
• US passport 
• State-issued ID card 
• Birth certificate 
• Alaska hunting or fishing license 
• If you don’t have one of the IDs above, you can show a current utility bill, paycheck, government check, bank statement, or other government document with your current address. 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE REQUIRED ID WHEN I REGISTER? 

You can still submit your registration, but you may need to provide your ID the first time you vote. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline  

To verify your voter registration status

You can make sure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections for all. Become a poll worker today!

In order to be a poll worker in Alaska, you must:

• Be registered to vote in Alaska
• Be willing to work about 16 hours a day or more on Election Day, or share a position and work a split shift or attend four to five hour paid training session
• Be willing to be non-partisan on Election Day and not say any political opinions while working
• Not have any family relationships with a candidate on the ballot

Youth Ambassador Program: If you are at least 16 years old and a student in high school (public, private or qualified home school program) you may sign up to be a youth ambassador. You can find more information about this program at the Alaska Division of Elections website.

To sign up, contact your local board of elections.

For information on federal campaign contributions, please visit Open Secrets.

For information on state campaign contributions, please visit your state's resource.

You are a Military or Overseas voter if you are in uniformed services, living overseas OR a spouse or dependent of a uniformed services voter. To get registered and vote, you can utilize Overseas Vote Foundation.

If you have additional questions about elections and voting overseas you can use our state specific elections official directory or contact the Overseas Vote Foundation.

You can find your polling place here. 

Information on local, state and federal candidates and ballot measures may be available here.

The polling place hours are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm for Primary, General and Statewide Special Elections and 8:00am to 8:00pm for Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA) elections.

Online registration deadline: 30 days before Election Day

Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 30 days before Election Day

In-person registration deadline: 30 days before Election Day

*Alaska law allows same-day voter registration to vote for President and Vice President.

Not registered? Use our online registration tool to complete your application! 

Early Voting Starts: 15 days before Election Day 

Early Voting Ends: The day before Election Day 

Early voting is available to all voters for any reason and begins 15 days before an election. Locations vary, you can find your early voting location on the Early and In-Person Voting Locations webpage.

Early ballots cast through the Thursday before the election will be counted on election night. All early ballots cast after that date, and all absentee ballots are counted beginning the 7th day after the election through the 15th day after the election.

What types of voting machines does Alaska use?

The voting systems used in Alaska are Optical Scan touch screen-paper ballots, and hand count. 

What is optical scan voting? 

With optical scan voting, you will receive a card or sheet of paper, which you take over to a private table or booth. The card has the names of the various candidates and ballot measures printed on it.  

• With a pen or pencil, you fill in a little box, circle, or space between two arrows.  
• When you are finished filling out all the cards, you may bring the cards over to a ballot box, where poll workers will show you how to put the cards in the box.  
• Or in some places, you may feed the completed cards or papers into a computer device that checks your card or paper right there at the polling place to make sure you have voted the way you want to and counts the votes. 

What is Touch Screen-Paper Ballots 

These units used in Alaska have a voter verifiable paper trail that allows the voter to verify the printed version of the ballot prior to casting the ballot. 

When voting on a touch screen, the voter has the option of having the ballot on the screen and/or listen to an audio version of the ballot and using a keypad to make the selection. 

Like the optical scan, when the polls close, the election board ends the election on the touch screen and then transmit results either via telephone line (for optical scan precincts) or by calling in the results to the regional office (for hand-count precincts).

What is Hand Count

These precincts are those precincts that are in rural areas of the state with fewer voters. After the polls close, the election boards tally the ballots using prepared tally books and then call in the results to the appropriate regional office. 

The regional offices then data enter the results into the regional GEMS computer and uploads the results to the GEMS system in the Director's Office via modem connection. There are 135 hand-count precincts in Alaska.

You can learn more about voting systems by checking out the Elections Assistance Commission's (EAC) resource. 

Provisional (questioned) voting is available if you meet any of these criteria:

• you do not have ID
• your name does not appear on the precinct register at the polling place
• your address has changed
• you ask for a ballot you are not eligible for (in a primary election)
• you already voted
• an observer challenges your qualifications to vote

Once voted, questioned ballots are sent to a review board who will determine if your ballot can be counted. If your ballot is rejected or partially counted, you will receive a letter telling you the reasons. Questioned ballots are counted 15 days after the election.

Your next election date can be found here https://www.vote411.org/alaska

Please check your local city/boroughs for local election calendar or contact your local elections office for more information on local elections.

What voting assistance is available for voters with disabilities?

You have several accessible voting options.

In addition to bilingual assistance in many polling places, the division of elections has a TTY communication device for the hearing impaired, magnifying ballot viewers at the polling places and audio recordings of the general election official election pamphlet for the visually impaired, and handicapped accessible polling places.

You may bring someone to help you at the polls. The person you bring may go into the booth with you and assist you with voting. This includes election officials, friends, family members, bystanders, campaign workers and anyone else who is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or officer or agent of your union.

If you had planned on going to your polling place on Election Day, but become ill or are home-bound, you can vote by having a personal representative bring you a ballot. If this is inconvenient, you can apply up to 10 days before an election for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. If your specific type of special services needed are not covered here, please contact an elections office for assistance.

How do I request accommodation or report accessibility issues?

If you have any questions about receiving help in voting, please ask the clerk or inspector at the polling place.

Can I vote by mail because of my disability?

Absentee voting is available in Alaska and no excuse is required. You can find out more about absentee voting here. 

For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource.

Employers must allow enough paid time off to vote for their employees, unless the employer has at least two hours to vote before or after his/her work hours.