Alaskan Midterm Vote to Address Voter Eligibility Language

During the midterm elections, Alaskan voters will consider a modification to the state’s voter qualification language, specifically regarding the citizenship requirement. Currently, only U.S. citizens can participate in national and state elections. Ballot Measure 3, labeled as 25USCV, aims to clarify that only U.S. citizens may vote by adding the word “only” to the existing statute that states, “a person may vote at any election who is a citizen of the United States.” This change would not affect the eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, residing in the appropriate jurisdiction for at least 30 days before the election, being registered to vote, and not being registered in another area.

The measure received support from several former Republican legislators and is backed by a group named Alaskans for Citizen Voting, which has raised significant funds during this election cycle. Conversely, some opposition voices argue that the current law is already clear and changing it is unnecessary and could exacerbate concerns among newly naturalized citizens about their voting status. Early voting in Alaska is ongoing, with voters also set to consider another important measure regarding the state’s electoral system.