Voting in Alaska

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Alaska.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

How Vote By Mail Works in Alaska

Voting by mail is a two step process in Alaska.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received by mail is October 29th.

• Alaska offers electronic absentee requests and can deliver your ballot by fax through 5 p.m. on November 7th. More info here.

Step 2: Complete your ballot and return your ballot ASAP. 

• Make sure to sign your ballot in front of an adult witness. They must sign it too.
• Return in person to your regional elections office, ballot drop box location, early voting site or polling place by 8 p.m. on November 8th.
• Or stamp and return your ballot by mail - ballots must be postmarked by November 8th and received by 10 days after Election Day to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on November 8th. We recommend returning your ballot ASAP.

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Witness or Notary Requirement

Grab a friend! After you complete your ballot, sign the outside of the ballot return envelope in the presence of an adult witness. They must sign it, too.

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot. Sign the outside of the ballot return envelope.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot. You can also return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense).

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, drop box, early voting locations, or polling place.

Can Someone Else Return Your Ballot For You?

A personal representative may pick up and return your ballot if it is due to age, illness or a disability.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you lose, damage or do not use your mail-in ballot, you may vote in person at early voting locations or at your polling place on Election Day. You should destroy or dispose of your mail-in ballot.

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

Alaska does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.

Do Voters Need ID?

Voter ID in Alaska

Your state automatically registers people to vote at their address of record when they interact with certain state agencies. If you have moved, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

Early Voting Dates

You can vote early in Alaska

You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.

Click here to find your regional early voting locations.

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In Alaska, you can preregister to vote if you are 17 and 9 months. Register to vote today!

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can not vote in the Alaska primaries if you are 17 by the next election.