Election overhaul in Alaska aimed at reducing partisanship
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — As partisan warfare has become the norm in state legislatures and Congress, Alaska is set to embark on an experiment to see if voters themselves can disarm the combatants.
A new election system, narrowly passed by voters in 2020 and set to be used in this year's races, is aimed at getting candidates to appeal to a broad range of voters beyond their traditional base. The system would end party primaries and send the top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, to the general election, where ranked-choice voting would determine a winner.
The model is unique among states and viewed by supporters as a way to encourage civility and cooperation among elected officials. A sponsor of the initiative, Republican-turned-independent former state lawmaker Jason Grenn, called Alaska a test case “in a major way” for similar efforts being considered in other states, including Nevada.
He said the new system will reward candidates who are willing to work with others, no matter their party affiliation, and that voters will be “empowered in a different way.”
"We’re excited that Alaska gets to lead the way on something that we feel is really monumental towards changing the way voters act and candidates act in our political system,” Grenn said.
For the changes to kick in, they must survive a challenge before the Alaska Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Tuesday.
Critics are challenging the measure's constitutionality and allege that it would dilute the power of political parties. A state court judge last year upheld the new system.
This year’s midterm ballot will feature races for U.S. Senate, the state's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and governor. And under a new redistricting plan that also is the subject of litigation, all but...