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Dear John,

Did you see the fantastic news?

My home state of Alaska has voted to continue using ranked choice voting (RCV) and open primaries. I congratulate Alaskans for Better Elections and No on 2 for the tremendous work they’ve done to win and sustain reform over the last several years – all in the interests of a government that delivers for Alaska voters.

The facts are clear: RCV and open primaries have worked in Alaska. In 2022, 85% of voters said RCV was simple; 62% said they liked the system; and independent-minded Alaska voters elected a conservative Republican governor, moderate Republican senator, and moderate Democratic congresswoman in their first use of RCV. This year, they elected a Republican congressman – a reminder that the reform is completely party-neutral.

The best evidence supporting how the reform is working for Alaskans has been in the state legislature. After the 2022 election, state legislators from both parties formed bipartisan majority caucuses focused on doing the people’s work in areas such as the economy, energy, public safety, and education. Contrast this with the divisive and unproductive legislative sessions of prior years. 

Within two days of this year’s election, bipartisan coalitions formed in both the State Senate and State House – and the Republican State Senate Majority Leader attributed the formation of those coalitions to open primaries and ranked choice voting. Alaska’s elected leaders work better together in the public interest with these reforms.

We always knew this would be a close vote in this highly polarized environment, but the takeaway is clear. For the second time in four years, Alaska voters have voted for better elections. 

We look forward to seeing how ranked choice voting continues to deliver for Alaska – empowering voters, rewarding candidates who can deliver for the majority of their constituents, and making our democracy work better. Our friends at No on 2 Alaska say it best:

Once again, voters made their voices heard and, once again, voters approved open primaries and ranked choice voting, a system that honors Alaskans’ independence and rewards elected leaders who work together to address the challenges that face our state. This is truly a win by Alaskans, for Alaskans, which will benefit our state for generations to come.

For more information on ranked choice voting in Alaska, see this analysis on our website or visit Alaskans for Better Elections. To support RCV where you live, join an RCV group in your state today.

Sincerely,
Meredith Sumpter
FairVote President and CEO

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