November 25, 2024 (ANCHORAGE, AK) – Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom announced today the intent to hold a recount of Ballot Measure 2, which proposed repealing Alaska’s open primary system and ranked-choice general election.
“Alaska law ensures the integrity of our elections, and with results as close as these, a recount will be conducted as outlined by statute,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom.
According to Alaska Statute 15.20.450, if the margin of defeat for a ballot measure is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast or within 20 votes, the State of Alaska will bear the cost of the recount. Ballot Measure 2 failed by a margin of 0.4% triggering, upon request, a state-funded recount.
The Division of Elections has already begun preparations. Carol Beecher, Director of the Division of Elections, stated, “We are actively gathering the necessary resources to conduct a thorough and efficient recount. Our team is committed to meeting the 10-day recount completion deadline following the scheduled certification of the election by the State Review Board on November 30.”
Additionally, under Alaska Statute 15.20.480, properly cast absentee and overseas ballots that are received after the respective 10- and 15-day deadlines but before the completion of the recount will be included in the recount. The Division of Elections will ensure compliance with all relevant statutes.
Upon certification of the election results, the recount will begin immediately following receipt of the formal request. Further details regarding the formal recount request and process will be provided after the election is certified.