Why Alaska Governs Differently — And Better
Getting things done, across party lines
Alaska’s unique election rules have helped produce working coalitions of Republicans, Democrats, and independents. Leaders from different parties collaborate on budgets, school funding, and potholes, prioritizing shared problems instead of culture-war battles.
What Alaska Has Accomplished
Balanced Budgets & Fewer Special Sessions
bipartisan cooperation helped solve the neverending budget battles.
Public Education Funding Gains
largest increase in state history delivered with broad support.
Focus on Shared Priorities
workforce, public safety, and energy development.
How This Compares to DC
Washington DC
Alaska
How Alaska’s Election System Works:
Open Primary
Top Four Advance
Ranked Choice
Majority Winner
Open, Top-Four Primary
All candidates run together in one primary. The top four advance.
Instant Runoff General Election
Voters rank candidates by order of preference, ensuring every winner has the support of majority, with no need for a runoff.
Every Vote Counts
Candidates must appeal to a broad slice of voters, not just a party base.
Ban on Dark Money
spenders in Alaska elections must disclose where they get their money, and may not use pass-through accounts to hide the true-source.
This system gives voters more choice and candidates an incentive to build broader coalitions — not just win a closed party primary.
Two Systems, Two Sets of Results
In Alaska, candidates must appeal to a majority of voters — not just to the extreme wings of a party. That drives cooperation, not chaos.