Ballot Measure 3: An Act Addressing Voter Qualification
On every Alaska ballot · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
Alaska law requires that someone must be a United States citizen and meet other requirements to vote. This act would specify that only those who are United States citizens and meet the other requirements may vote. This act would not change the requirements to vote. Should this initiative become law?
In plain language
A VoterDecoder summary of the official measure text.
Ballot Measure 3 would state in Alaska law that only United States citizens who meet the state's other requirements may vote. Current law sets four requirements: citizenship, being at least 18 years old, living in Alaska and the state house district for 30 days before the election, and being registered to vote only in Alaska. A YES vote means the law would say only people who meet all four requirements may vote. A NO vote means the law is not changed. The measure would not change the requirements or qualifications to vote.
Fiscal impact
The official cost statement estimates total costs of $114,050 for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Division of Elections. The Division of Elections would spend $99,050 of that, which the statement calls a minimum cost. That figure covers petition review at $82,443, printing at $1,605, and translation of the measure at $15,002. The remaining $15,000 is travel for the Lieutenant Governor's required public hearings.
Official explanation
Alaska statute has four requirements a person must meet before they can vote. First, the person must be a citizen of the United States. Second, the person must be at least 18 years of age or older. Third, the person must be a resident of Alaska and the applicable state house district for 30 days before the election. And fourth, the person must have registered to vote in Alaska and cannot be registered to vote in another jurisdiction. This Act would reword that statute so that it says only a person who meets all four requirements may vote. This Act would not change the requirements or qualifications to vote.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Statement of Costs Agency Cost Summary Agency Cost Office of the Lieutenant Governor $15,000 Office of the Lieutenant Governor – Division of Elections $99,050
TOTAL $114,050
Estimate of Costs to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Division of Elections As required by AS 15.45.090(a)(3), the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Division of Elections have prepared the following statement of costs to implement the proposed ballot initiative. Lieutenant Governor Under Alaska Statute 15.45.195, at least 30 days before the election at which an initiative is to appear on the ballot, the lieutenant governor or a designee of the lieutenant governor shall hold two or more public hearings concerning the initiative in each judicial district of the state. Each public hearing under this section shall include the written or oral testimony of one supporter and one opponent of the initiative. Estimated cost of travel for Lt. Governor and one staff member $15,000 Division of Elections The minimum cost to the Division of Elections associated with certification of the initiative application and review of the initiative petition, excluding legal costs to the state and the costs to the state of any challenge to the validity of the petition, is estimated to be $99,050. Six temporary employees will be required to review signatures for 2,520 hours at an estimated cost of $58,804 and certification of the initiative application and review of the initiative petition estimated for 504 hours will cost an estimated $23,639. Printing service expenses associated with certification of the initiative application and review of the initiative petition will require $1,605 for the printing of voter booklets. Estimated cost of translating the ballot measure language for audio and sample ballots, an Official Election Pamphlet pro statement, Official Election Pamphlet con statement, and Official Election Pamphlet neutral summary into languages required by the Toyukak Settlement and Section 203 of the Federal Voting Rights Act, will require an estimated $15,002. Estimate by Category Petition Review $82,443 Petition Printing Services $1,605 Language Translations of Initiative Text $15,002
TOTAL $99,050
Arguments for and against
Only one side filed an official argument for the voter guide. It is printed as submitted; the other side is a summary written by VoterDecoder.
Argument in favor
What is Ballot Measure 25USCV? Ballot Measure 25USCV is a citizens’ initiative that would add clarity to Alaska law by stating that only United States citizens may be qualified voters in Alaska elections. Current law says citizens may vote, but it does not specifically state that only citizens may vote. This measure closes that gap and makes Alaska law unmistakably clear. It does not change who is a U.S. citizen or affect federal immigration law. It clarifies Alaska election law so it reflects what most voters already understand: when Alaskans cast ballots for local, state, or federal offices, they are participating in a uniquely American act of self-government reserved for citizens. What will Ballot Measure 25USCV do? If approved, this measure will write into law that voter qualification in Alaska is limited to U.S. citizens, while keeping existing protections against discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, or disability. The initiative does not change registration procedures for eligible citizens. It clarifies that non-citizens, even if lawfully present, may not register or vote in state or local elections. Ballot Measure 25USCV also helps ensure that Alaska’s election system remains straightforward and easier to run. Clear standards reduce confusion at the Division of Elections, the DMV, and other agencies that help register voters, and they make it less likely that ineligible individuals will be accidentally added to the rolls. What will voting YES on Ballot Measure 25USCV do? A YES vote will affirm that Alaskans want to keep voting a core right and responsibility of citizenship. Around the country, a growing number of cities have begun allowing certain non-citizens to vote in local elections, creating confusion and controversy about who should participate in choosing community leaders and passing laws. By passing 25USCV, Alaska will make clear that it is not going down that path. Voting YES will also give clearer guidance to election officials and potential voters. When the rule is simple — you must be a U.S. citizen to vote — people are less likely to make honest mistakes, and the state is better able to maintain accurate voter lists. Vote YES to Protect the Integrity of Alaska’s Elections Alaskans are proud of a tradition of civic participation, close-knit communities, and competitive elections decided by small margins. Public confidence that every legal vote counts — and that only legal votes count — is essential. Ballot Measure 25USCV strengthens that confidence by confirming in law that Alaska elections are for U.S. citizens, while leaving intact all of the ways eligible Alaskans can register and vote. This initiative also honors the path of legal immigration and citizenship. It supports immigrants who work hard to become U.S. citizens and then fully earn the right to vote.
— John Coghill Jr., Former Senator; Charles M. Chenault, Former Speaker of the House; Joshua C. Revak, Former Alaska State Senator
Argument against
No official argument against was submitted.
No official statement opposing this measure was submitted. The Division of Elections posted a notice in the Alaska Online Public Notice System and sent solicitations, but it received no response. The official summary says the measure would not change the requirements or qualifications to vote. Current law already lists United States citizenship as the first of four requirements a person must meet before voting. Voters who see no need to reword a statute when the voting requirements stay the same could vote NO. A NO vote keeps the current wording of the law in place.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.