What supporters call Alaska’s most significant election reform bill in years, and opponents say raises serious transparency concerns, now awaits Gov. Mike Dunleavy after clearing the legislature Wednesday. Lawmakers in the majority are hopeful he’ll sign it, though a veto remains a real possibility.
in years, and opponents say raises serious transparency concerns, now awaits Gov. Mike Dunleavy after clearing the legislature Wednesday. Lawmakers in the majority are hopeful he’ll sign it, though a veto remains a real possibility.
“We worked very closely with the governor’s office on this bill,” Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, said at a news conference Tuesday. “When it passed out of the Senate, they had tremendous input. They said they’d support it back then ... on the new version, we sat down, had a number of meetings with the governor’s office directly. “I don’t know if the governor’s changed his mind at this point, but the governor’s office I would think should support it.” A spokesperson for the governor did not comment on the bill’s details, saying “when it does, he will review it and decide to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.” With the legislature in session, the governor has 15 days to act on the bill, whether that’s signing it, vetoing it or letting it become law without a signature,SB 64, in the amended version the House pushed and Senate adopted, has a host of updates and changes to current election law. Creates a ballot tracking system so voters can follow their absentee ballots through the counting processEstablishes a ballot curing process, allowing voters to correct minor errors that might otherwise disqualify their ballotCreates a rural community liaison within the Division of Elections to support poll worker recruitment and election operations in rural Alaska Improves voter roll maintenance by adding new indicators that a voter may have established residency in another stateRequires absentee ballots to be received within 10 days of an election, allowing ballot review to begin earlier and certification to happen up to five days soonerRequires the state to develop a cybersecurity program and notify the public in the event of a data breach involving election systemsNot all lawmakers support the bill, and most of the minority caucus in each chamber did not back it. In the House, 10 amendments authored by minority members were voted down, with members raising concerns about inadequate time for the Division of Elections to implement the changes and transparency. “I have ongoing concerns about relying on outside systems and processes that reduce transparency and local control,” Rep. Elexie Moore, R-Wasilla,. “Alaskans deserve an election system that is clear, accountable, and rooted here at home. Changes to our elections should increase trust, not leave room for new questions.” Alaska’s News Source reached out to the house minority caucus for comment. A spokesperson said members declined to comment.Dunleavy’s decision weighs heavily on the future of the bill. If he vetoes it, lawmakers can override it in a joint session with a two-thirds majority — 40 of the legislature’s 60 members. The bill passed with 23 House votes and 16 Senate votes — a combined 39, one short of the 40 needed to override a veto. If votes remain the same, the majority would need to persuade at least one minority member to join them. Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, a minority caucus member who voted for the bill, was among three minority members, including Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan; and Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, to support final passage.. “SB 64 builds on bipartisan ideas to clean up outdated processes, protect against threats like cyberattacks and misinformation, and ensure every valid vote is counted. This is a significant step toward restoring full confidence in our democratic process.”‘Every fiber of me wishes I could change it all’: Veteran musher posts tribute to dog who died during IditarodBethel officer-involved shooting leaves one injuredNo tax relief, no pipeline? Dunleavy argues bill could make or break Alaska’s LNG future
Anchorage Sarah Vance Juneau Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy Alaska Beacon Homer Jeremy Bynum Ketchikan Kevin Mccabe Big Lake Elexie Moore Wasilla SB 64 Elections
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom bans state officials from making bets on Polymarket, Kalshi with insider infoToday's Business Headlines: 03/27/26
Read more »
Texas Tribune Seeks Support; Lt. Gov. Patrick Outlines Legislative PrioritiesThe Texas Tribune, an independent news organization, appeals for donations while reporting on Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's legislative priorities, including property tax relief, data centers, and a potential THC ban.
Read more »
New York Gov. Hochul issues proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans DayAs part of the proclamation, Hochul has directed 15 landmarks across the state to illuminate in green, yellow and red on Sunday night in recognition of the day.
Read more »
How to watch Gov. Ferguson sign 'millionaires tax' billThe Office of Governor Bob Ferguson has announced the governor will sign the 'millionaires tax' bill into law on Monday. We look at what it is, and how to watch the event live.
Read more »
Washington 'millionaires tax' poised to become law with Gov. Ferguson's signature MondayA sweeping new tax on Washington’s highest earners is poised to become law, setting up what supporters and critics alike expect will be a high-stakes fight in c
Read more »
Long lines continue at PHL as Congress leaves D.C. amid partial gov't shutdownMore long lines filled up Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history entered its 44th day.
Read more »