Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom announces intent to recount Ballot Measure 2 to repeal rank choice vote

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom announced on November 25 the intent to hold a recount of Ballot Measure 2, which proposed repealing Alaska's open primary system and ranked-choice general election.

“Alaska law ensures the integrity of our elections, and with results as close as these, a recount will be conducted as outlined by statute,” said Lt. Governor Dahlstrom.

The vote count for the measure has been a bit of a roller coaster, as initial results showed the repeal passing by a slim margin. As votes came in from absentee and rural areas however, the measure was failing by the slimmest of margins, with the final count on November 20, which according to state law was the last day the Division of Elections could accept ballots postmarked from abroad. The measure failed by 45 votes.

According to Alaska Statute 15.20.450, if the margin of defeat for a ballot measure is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast or within 20 votes, the State of Alaska will bear the cost of the recount. Ballot Measure 2 failed by a margin of 0.4% triggering, upon request, a state-funded recount.

The Division of Elections has already begun preparations. Carol Beecher, Director of the Division of Elections, stated, “We are actively gathering the necessary resources to conduct a thorough and efficient recount. Our team is committed to meeting the 10-day recount completion deadline following the scheduled certification of the election by the State Review Board on November 30.”

Additionally, under Alaska Statute 15.20.480, properly cast absentee and overseas ballots that are received after the respective 10- and 15-day deadlines but before the completion of the recount will be included in the recount. The Division of Elections will ensure compliance with all relevant statutes.

Upon certification of the election results, the recount will begin immediately following receipt of the formal request. Further details regarding the formal recount request and process will be provided after the election is certified.