Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-07 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-07 Senate Journal Page 2505 SB 289 SENATE BILL NO. 289 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to campaign contributions; relating to write-in candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated May 6: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to election administration, voter registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, election offenses, and permanent fund dividend voter- registration records. This bill builds on the work of Senate Bill 64 by making important changes to Alaska’s election laws while providing the Division of Elections with the time and tools necessary to implement those changes securely and reliably. The bill preserves the goal of improving voter access, transparency, and confidence in Alaska’s elections. 2026-05-07 Senate Journal Page 2506 The bill establishes a clear process for voters to cure certain defects in absentee ballots. To protect the integrity of that process, the bill also requires signature verification as part of ballot curing. Election officials would compare the voter’s signature to signatures contained in voter registration records and provide notice to the voter when additional information is needed. A voter would be required to provide the information necessary to cure the defect within the time provided by law. This approach protects the right of qualified voters to have their ballots counted while ensuring that ballot-curing procedures include clear safeguards for verifying voter identity. The bill also provides a delayed effective date for major election administration changes. This will allow the Division of Elections sufficient time to develop procedures, train election workers, update systems, inform voters, and conduct the testing necessary to ensure that the changes are implemented in an orderly manner. Election laws should be clear, workable, and carefully implemented in a way that protects both access to the ballot and public confidence in the outcome. This legislation reflects a balanced approach. It improves election administration, maintains access to the electoral process, strengthens election integrity, and gives the state sufficient time to implement these changes securely and reliably before they govern a statewide election. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor