FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2024
Contact: Sam D’Arcangelo, RepresentUs, sdarcangelo@represent.us
Statement: Alaska Voters Reject Ballot Measure 2, Defeating Attempt to Repeal Critical Democracy Reforms
ANCHORAGE, AK - With the final election results now in, Alaska voters have decided to continue using Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries, which were first approved by voters in 2020 and implemented across the state in 2022.
RepresentUs was part of the original coalition that brought Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries to Alaska, and we have proudly helped defend these critical reforms since the beginning. We provided support to Alaskans for Better Elections, the No On 2 campaign, and our coalition partners throughout this fight, including contacting more than 81,000 voters in the run up to Election Day and producing a series of videos outlining the benefits of these reforms. We are proud of our contributions to this victory.
RepresentUs CEO Joshua Graham Lynn issued the following statement in response to the results:
Alaska voters just told their political establishment a better democracy is here to stay. We couldn’t be more delighted with that choice. After a hard-fought battle, the people have rejected a cynical attempt to roll back the electoral reforms that have made Alaska a shining example of what government of, by, and for the people can be. These results are a testament to the incredible work of Alaskans for Better Elections and the broad coalition of Alaska groups who have fought to defend these important reforms.
Just four years ago, the people of Alaska made the historic decision to embrace Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries. Since then, these changes have worked largely as intended, ushering in a new era of cross-partisan cooperation at the state level and greater choice at the federal level. It’s only natural that the state’s political establishment saw these results as a threat. Thankfully, their efforts to stem the tide of progress have been pushed back.
RepresentUs is America’s leading nonpartisan organization fighting to protect and strengthen democracy. We unite unlikely allies from across the political spectrum who put country over party to pass pro-democracy laws, fight corruption, and defeat authoritarian threats. We have won 185 victories in cities and states across America since our founding more than 12 years ago. Each win brings us one step closer to our vision of making America the world’s strongest democracy.