How to Vote in Alaska: A Complete Guide for Residents

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Whether you’re a first-time voter or a long-time Alaskan resident, knowing how to vote in Alaska is essential to making your voice heard. This guide covers everything you need to know from voter eligibility and registration to casting your ballot on Election Day.

Am I Eligible to Vote in Alaska?

Before diving into how to vote in Alaska, you need to make sure you qualify. To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, live in Alaska, and your election district for at least 30 days before the election, and cancel any voter registration you hold in another state.

If you completed a felony sentence involving moral turpitude and the Department of Corrections unconditionally discharged you from supervision, you can register to vote in Alaska. You’ll just submit proof of your unconditional discharge to the Division of Elections.

How to Register to Vote in Alaska

Knowing how to register is the first step in learning how to vote in Alaska. There are multiple options:

• Online: To use the Online Voter Registration System, you must have a valid Alaska driver’s license or state ID card, and the information you enter must match your DMV record. Visit voterregistration.alaska.gov to get started.
• By Mail or In Person: You can print a paper form, complete and sign it, and send it by mail, fax, or email attachment to a Regional Elections Office. When registering by mail, send a copy of your driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate with your form.

Registration Deadline: The Alaska voter registration deadline for the 2026 general election is October 4, 2026. Register at least 30 days before Election Day. You can do it in person, by mail, or online.

What ID Do I Need to Vote in Alaska?

On Election Day, voters must present acceptable forms of ID such as a voter ID card, driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, hunting or fishing license, or other current valid photo ID.

If you don’t have a photo ID, you can also show a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government-issued document with your name and current address. 

Ways to Vote in Alaska

When it comes to how to vote in Alaska, you have several options.

Vote in Person on Election Day

Polling places are open from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. for Primary, General, and Statewide Special Elections. You can find your polling place at the Alaska Division of Elections website.

Vote Absentee by Mail

Any registered Alaska voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail with no excuse needed. Request your ballot no later than 10 days before the election, and make sure you postmark it by Election Day so it arrives within 10 days.

Vote Early or Absentee In-Person

Absentee in-person and early voting locations are open starting 15 days before and through Election Day, with each location having different hours and district ballots available. 

Alaska’s Unique Voting System: Ranked Choice Voting

Alaska uses a distinctive election process that all voters should understand. Alaska law requires all general elections to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), which lets voters rank candidates in order of preference. Additionally, Alaska uses a Nonpartisan Top Four Primary to determine the top four vote-getters who advance to the General Election, regardless of political affiliation. 

Where to Find More Information

For official information on how to vote in Alaska, visit:

• Alaska Division of Elections: elections.alaska.gov
• Voter Registration: voterregistration.alaska.gov
• Phone: (907) 522-VOTE (8683)

Voting is one of the most important rights you have as an Alaskan resident. You hold the power – register, prepare, and vote!