Alaska voters can cast ballots early in the Aug. 18 primary. Here are the deadlines
Alaska’s 2026 primary election is underway. Early voting, absentee in-person voting, electronic ballot transmission and special-needs voting began Monday, Aug. 3, ahead of the statewide primary on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The next major deadline is Saturday, Aug. 8, when the Division of Elections must receive applications for mail absentee ballots. Polls are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Key Alaska primary deadlines
- Aug. 3: Early voting, absentee in-person voting, electronic transmission and special-needs voting began. Locations and hours vary.
- Aug. 8: Deadline for the Division of Elections to receive mail absentee-ballot applications.
- Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. Alaska time: Deadline for eligible voters seeking an electronically transmitted ballot to submit an application.
- Aug. 18: Primary Election Day. Polls are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Aug. 18: Mailed voted ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
- Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. Alaska time: Ballots returned by fax after electronic transmission must be received.
- Aug. 28: The state’s 10-day deadline for receiving mailed primary absentee ballots that were postmarked by Aug. 18.
The Division of Elections says locations, hours and election information can change. Voters should verify details through the state’s location search before traveling to cast a ballot.
Who and what is on the ballot
The primary includes contests for governor, seats in the Alaska House and Senate, and Alaska’s U.S. House and U.S. Senate seats. Voters can review sample ballots and check registration information through the state’s voter portal.
Registration for the Aug. 18 primary closed July 19, 2026. Residents who are unsure whether their registration is current should verify it before going to a voting site; the registration deadline should not be treated as an available last-minute option.
Early and absentee voting options
Alaska offers early voting and absentee in-person voting at designated locations, but schedules differ by community. Some sites are open on weekdays, while regional offices also have scheduled weekend hours. Some early and absentee in-person sites will be open on Election Day. Check the Division of Elections location list for the site serving you and its current hours.
Voters requesting a mailed absentee ballot must submit the application by Aug. 8. That is the application deadline, not the deadline for returning a completed ballot.
To vote by mail, voters fill out the ballot, place it in the secrecy sleeve and return envelope, sign the voter certificate in front of a witness who is at least 18, and provide at least one required identifier. The voter’s ballot envelope must be postmarked no later than Aug. 18 and received by the state by Aug. 28 to be counted. Mailing a ballot on Election Day does not guarantee timely delivery, so voters should allow time for transportation and postal service.
The Division of Elections recommends having a mailed ballot hand-canceled by a postal clerk at the counter to help ensure the correct postmark. A voter returning a completed absentee ballot in person must deliver it to a voting location by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Military, overseas and other eligible remote voters
Military members, eligible family members, U.S. citizens living overseas and other voters eligible for electronic delivery can apply for an electronically transmitted ballot until 5 p.m. Alaska time on Aug. 17.
For military and overseas voters, the Federal Voting Assistance Program provides the federal guidance and forms for registration and absentee-ballot requests. Those voters should use the federal assistance process rather than assume that ordinary civilian absentee procedures apply to them.
Voters who receive an electronically transmitted ballot may return it by fax under the state’s rules. A faxed voted ballot must be received by 8 p.m. Alaska time on Aug. 18. These electronic-transmission rules apply to voters eligible for that method; they are not the general procedure for every Alaska absentee voter.
How Alaska’s primary and general election differ
Alaska’s primary is a nonpartisan top-four, pick-one contest. In each qualifying race, a voter selects one candidate. The four candidates who receive the most votes advance to the Nov. 3 general election, regardless of political affiliation.
The primary itself is not a ranked-choice election. In the November general election, voters will rank candidates in order of preference rather than select only one. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the state conducts additional counting rounds until a candidate reaches a majority.
Ballot Measure 1
The primary ballot also includes Ballot Measure 1, an initiative that the Division of Elections describes as an act restoring campaign-contribution limits for campaigns for state and local office.
The state’s 2026 Primary Ballot Measure Pamphlet includes the ballot language, a neutral summary prepared by the Legislative Affairs Agency, a statement outlining costs, the full proposed law and statements in support of and opposition to the measure. The pamphlet is official voter information, not an endorsement.
What voters should do now
Voters planning to participate should verify their registration, locate an early voting or absentee site, review their sample ballot and confirm the deadline that applies to them.
Anyone requesting a mailed ballot should act before Aug. 8. Eligible voters requesting electronic transmission should apply by 5 p.m. Alaska time on Aug. 17. Voters who already requested an absentee ballot can use the state voter portal to check its status.
Because locations, hours and election information may change, voters should verify details with the Alaska Division of Elections before traveling or mailing a ballot.
Sources
- Alaska Division of Elections election calendar
- Federal Voting Assistance Program Alaska guide
- Alaska Public Media/Alaska Beacon primary voting guide
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