FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2026
Today, the Alaska State Legislature failed to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 64, leaving in place significant barriers that continue to prevent eligible Alaskans from fully participating in the state’s elections.
In a joint session, the override fell short of the required threshold, with 23 votes in favor and 17 opposed in the House, and 15 in favor and 5 opposed in the Senate—ultimately failing to secure the 40 votes needed to enact these reforms. You can see how your representative voted by visiting here.
AFN is particularly disappointed in the Governor’s decision to veto this important legislation in the first place. SB 64 represented a thoughtful, bipartisan effort to strengthen election integrity, expand voter access, and modernize Alaska’s election system for all communities, especially those in rural and Alaska Native regions that continue to face disproportionate barriers to participation.
Today’s outcome represents a missed opportunity for Alaska to move forward with a stronger, more accessible, and more trusted election system.
SB 64 would have implemented critical reforms, including:
- Establishing ballot curing, allowing voters to correct minor mistakes rather than having their ballots rejected
- Improving election transparency, oversight, and ballot tracking to strengthen public trust
- Expanding rural voter assistance and improving access across Alaska
- Ensuring prepaid postage for absentee and mail-in ballots so cost is not a barrier to participation
“Today’s vote is a missed opportunity for Alaska,” said Ben Mallott, President of AFN. “A majority of lawmakers supported these reforms, yet the Legislature fell short of overcoming the veto. As a result, too many eligible voters—especially in rural and Alaska Native communities—will continue to face unnecessary barriers.”
Without these updates, voters remain at risk of having their ballots rejected over minor errors, and disparities in access will persist across the state.
AFN extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the Alaska State Legislature who stood up to defend the fundamental right of Alaskans to vote and who supported efforts to strengthen access, fairness, and trust in our democratic process. AFN urges lawmakers to build on that leadership, revisit these reforms, and take action before the end of this legislative session to ensure Alaska’s election system works for all voters.
AFN remains committed to advocating for policies that protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections while ensuring equitable access for all Alaskans.
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