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Fines Upheld for Alaska Pastor Using His Church Organization to Funnel ‘Free Speech’ Money to Political Groups Trying Repeal Ranked Choice Voting

June 24, 2024June 24, 2024

Last year we reported on accusations of a pastor using his Alaskan church to funnel money to an anti-ranked choice voting group. Most fines levied by the State of Alaska for not fully disclosing the donation were upheld last week, and a separate case challenging the repeal initiative it supported will be heard this week.

While Some States Seek to Close Primaries, Nevada and Arizona Consider Open Primaries to Include Independent Voters and Offer More Choice

November 15, 2023November 15, 2023

Closed primaries keep independents, the fastest growing block of voters, from voting in a Republican or Democratic primary. To include unaffiliated voters and offer all voters more choice, states like Nevada and Arizona are considering fully open primaries and “Top 5” races.

Conservative Legislatures Rush to Ban Ranked Choice Voting, Despite Its Popularity with Voters

April 13, 2023April 13, 2023

In January, we reported on the nine states considering Ranked Choice Voting this year. We DIDN’T anticipate the wave of state bills BANNING the ranked choice voting system.

Among Growing Anti-Voter Legislation, There Were Some Democracy Reform Successes in 2022

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022

While many states implemented intentional barriers to voting and ignored partisan gerrymandering, some forward-looking states enacted pro-voter democracy reforms, helping to make voting accessible to all of their citizens.

ADM for Aug. 16, 2022: Aug. 16 Alaska Primary Includes Special Election, Regular Primary, and Both Choose One & Ranked Choice Voting

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022

Alaska broke new ground in June with the first-ever “top-four” Congressional special primary to replace the late Rep. Don Young. This was the first time Alaskan’s used ranked choice voting, which winnowed down a field of 48 candidates to four, including former governor Sarah Palin, tech millionaire Nick Begich III, and legislator Mary Peltola. A fourth candidate dropped out.