Why Your Voice is Important
Indigenous people were historically excluded from the voting process. Today, voting is not just about ourselves; it’s about honoring the ancestors who were denied that right and standing up for future generations. By showing up at the polls, we help ensure that policies reflect our priorities, including land stewardship, education, cultural preservation, and tribal sovereignty. Voting is more than a civic duty; it is a powerful tool for protecting our lands, languages, values, and ways of life.
For Alaska Native and Indigenous communities, casting a ballot helps ensure our voices are heard on issues that matter most, from subsistence rights and education to land protection and healthcare. When we vote, we honor those who came before us and fought to be seen, heard, and counted, while helping to build a future where our children and grandchildren can thrive in strong, healthy communities rooted in tradition and culture.
Sample ballots for Alaska's Primary Election are now available!
Now is the perfect time to make your plan to vote. Taking a few minutes to look over your sample ballot ahead of time can help you feel prepared and confident when it's time to cast your vote.
View your sample ballot here: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/sample-ballots/ballot/24prim2/
August 18, 2026 – Primary Election
Important Dates & Deadlines for the 2026 Alaska Primary Election
- January 1, 2026
- Absentee ballot applications open
- Registered voters may begin requesting absentee-by-mail ballots for all 2026 elections.
- July 19, 2026
- Last day to register to vote or update your voter registration
- This is the deadline to be eligible to vote in the August 18 Primary Election.
- August 3, 2026
- Early voting begins
- Early voting, absentee in-person voting, electronic transmission voting, and special needs voting begin statewide.
- August 8, 2026
- Recommended last day to request an absentee ballot by mail
- The Alaska Division of Elections recommends submitting your absentee ballot request at least 10 days before the election to allow enough time for mailing.
- August 17, 2026
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- Last day to apply for an absentee ballot online, by fax, email, or in person
- Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. the day before the election.
- August 18, 2026 — Primary Election Day
- Polls are open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Vote at your assigned polling location or return your absentee ballot by the applicable deadline.
- After You Vote
- Track your absentee ballot through the Alaska Division of Elections.
- Election results are certified following the official canvass.
November 3, 2026 — General Election
Important Dates – 2026 Alaska General Election
- August 31, 2026
- Primary Election Results Certified
- The Alaska Division of Elections certifies the results of the Primary Election, and the candidates advancing to the General Election are finalized.
- October 4, 2026
- Last Day to Register to Vote or Update Your Registration
- This is the deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration to be eligible to vote in the November 3 General Election.
- October 19, 2026
- Early Voting Begins
- Early voting, absentee in-person voting, electronic transmission voting, and special needs voting begin statewide.
- October 24, 2026
- Recommended Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail
- The Alaska Division of Elections recommends requesting your absentee ballot by mail no later than 10 days before the election to allow enough time for delivery.
- November 2, 2026
- Last Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot Online, by Fax, Email, or In Person
- Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election.
- November 3, 2026 — General Election Day
- Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Vote at your assigned polling place or return your completed absentee ballot by 8:00 p.m. if delivering it to a voting location.
- Alaska's General Election uses Ranked Choice Voting for statewide offices.
- November 13, 2026
- Deadline to Receive Most Absentee Ballots
- Absentee ballots mailed from within the United States, U.S. territories, or overseas must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the Alaska Division of Elections by the applicable deadline to be counted.
- November 25, 2026
- Target Date to Certify the General Election
- The Alaska Division of Elections completes the official canvass and certifies the General Election results.
Alaska is a no-excuse absentee voting state, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot.
- Applications are available beginning January 1, 2026, and you don't need a reason to vote by mail.
Vote by Mail Deadlines: Primary Election – Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Friday, August 8
- Recommended last day to request an absentee ballot by mail to allow enough time for delivery before Election Day.
Monday, August 17 – 5:00 p.m. (Alaska Time)
- Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot online, by email, fax, or in person.
Tuesday, August 18 – Election Day
- Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
- Ballots hand-delivered to a polling place or election office must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Vote by Mail Deadlines: General Election – Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Saturday, October 24
- Recommended last day to request an absentee ballot by mail.
Monday, November 2 – 5:00 p.m. (Alaska Time)
- Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot online, by email, fax, or in person.
Tuesday, November 3 – Election Day
- Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
- Ballots hand-delivered to a polling place or election office must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
New Campus Voting Location!
The South Central Foundation (SCF)/ Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) campus is now an official voting location!
Students, employees, patients, and community members can now vote conveniently on campus during the early voting period.
Before You Vote
- Check your voter registration.
- Make a voting plan early, absentee, or Election Day.
- Learn about the candidates and ballot measures before you vote.
Every election matters. Every vote counts. Make your plan today!
New Campus Voting Location!
Vote Early at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Campus
The Southcentral Foundation (SCF) and Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) campus is now an official early voting location for Alaska state elections. This new location makes voting more accessible for students, employees, patients, visitors, and community members.
Whether you're coming to campus for work, school, an appointment, or to visit a loved one, you can conveniently cast your ballot during the early voting period.
- Southcentral Foundation (SCF) / Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Campus
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- 4315 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
ANMC Early Voting Location
- Location: To be confirmed by the Regional Director
- Campus Address: 4315 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Early Voting Dates: To be confirmed
- Hours of Operation: To be confirmed
Where to Find Information on Candidates and Ballot Measures
Before you vote, take time to learn about the candidates and issues that will appear on your ballot. Understanding your ballot helps you make informed decisions and prepare before heading to the polls.
The Alaska Division of Elections provides official election information, including:
- Candidate information
- Candidate statements
- Official Election Pamphlet information
- Ballot measure information
- Election dates and deadlines
- Sample ballots
The Official Election Pamphlet includes information about candidates and issues appearing on the ballot for the General Election. Voters can review this information before completing their ballot
Learn more here about your ballot: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/publications/official-election-pamphlet/
Understanding Ballot Measures
Ballot measures allow Alaska voters to directly decide on proposed changes to state law or other statewide issues.
Before voting on a ballot measure:
- Read the official ballot title and summary.
- Review the full text of the measure.
- Learn about arguments supporting and opposing the measure.
- Understand how the measure may impact your community.
The Alaska Division of Elections provides official ballot measure information, including active petitions and measures that qualify for the ballot.
Learn more here about ballot measures: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions-and-ballot-measures/
Find Your Polling Location
Your Election Day polling location is based on your registered voting address.
To find your polling place:
- Confirm your voter registration information.
- Use the Alaska Division of Elections polling place locator.
- Search by your address, city, or district to find your assigned polling location.
Polling locations are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Before Election Day, confirm:
- Your polling location
- Hours of operation
- Any accessibility needs
Important Dates: Primary Election & General Election
- Primary Election: August 18, 2026
- General Election: November 3, 2026
How to apply for an absentee ballot
- Apply Online (Fastest)
- You will need an ID and info that matches your DMV record.
- Apply with a Paper Form
- Download and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application.
- Sign it by hand (typed/digital signatures aren’t accepted)
- Submit it by:
- Email (as a PDF/image)
- Fax
- Apply in Person (Early/Absentee Voting)
- You can apply for and vote as an Absentee starting 15 days before Election Day at certain locations.
How to update your voter registration information
- Update Online (Fastest)
- Go to “Register to Vote Online” https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/
- Click “Register Online With DMV Validation”
- Fill out the Online Form and hit submit.
- Update by Mail (paper form)
- Update in Person
- You can update your registration at:
- Division of Election Offices
- DMV Offices
- Public Agencies (like libraries or city offices)
- You can update your registration at:
Understanding Ranked Choice Voting
What is Ranked Choice Voting? Under the system, voters rank candidates in order of preference (you also don’t have to rank at all beyond your first choice, but there is power in ranking). If the leader does not get more than 50 percent in the first tally, the fourth-place finisher is eliminated, and his or her ranked votes are added to the voter’s second choice. The process may be repeated in this built-in instant-runoff until one candidate secures a majority.
Visit here to learn more: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/rcv/RCV%20Rack%20Card%20-%20Distribution.pdf
Watch here to learn more about RCV:
Visit: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/election-polls/
Subject to Change by the Division of Elections – To find the updated location, please visit DOE’s main website. https://www.elections.alaska.gov/
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