Alaska Senate Bill 64: Strengthening Election Integrity and Access
For nearly a decade, election policy in Alaska has been marked by debate rather than decisive action. Over the past ten years, the Alaska Legislature has introduced 164 election-related bills and more than 40 resolutions, with only three becoming law, and none fundamentally altering how Alaska conducts elections. This legislative gridlock has left Alaskans seeking secure, transparent, and trustworthy elections.
Senate Bill 64 (SB 64), currently awaiting concurrence/recede in the Senate as of March 23, 2026, represents a bipartisan effort to address these concerns. The bill aims to improve election integrity, enhance voter access, and increase public confidence in the electoral process.
Key Provisions of CSSB 64
CSSB 64 focuses on several key areas of election administration:
1. Accurate and Secure Voter Rolls
Maintaining accurate voter rolls is crucial for election integrity. SB 64 strengthens procedures for removing voters who have moved or are no longer eligible, cross-referencing multiple databases, and conducting annual independent audits.
2. Strong Data Security and Election Integrity
Protecting sensitive voter information is paramount. SB 64 addresses cybersecurity risks with stronger protections, secure information sharing, and expanded definitions of election crimes. The bill also mandates timely notification of data breaches, ensuring voters are informed and election systems remain secure. In 2020, approximately 18 percent of registered Alaskan voters—around 113,000 individuals—had their personal data compromised.
3. Ballot Tracking and Ballot Curing
SB 64 establishes a secure online ballot-tracking system with multi-factor authentication, allowing voters to monitor the status of their absentee ballots. The ballot curing provision allows for the correction of minor envelope issues, such as missing signatures, without altering the ballot itself, ensuring fair and secure vote counting.
4. Improving Rural Voting Access
Alaska’s unique geography presents challenges to rural voters. SB 64 establishes a state-employed rural community liaison to coordinate with tribes and municipalities, ensuring polling places are adequately staffed and early absentee voting options are expanded. The bill also recognizes federally recognized tribal identification as valid voter ID.
5. Timely and Transparent Election Results
SB 64 requires the daily publication of unofficial election totals and clear reporting of precinct and ballot type counts, enhancing transparency and public confidence.
6. Fair and Accurate Presidential Write-In Voting
The bill clarifies procedures for presidential write-in candidates, providing dedicated space on the ballot and ensuring a consistent method for voters to express their preferences.
Legislative History and Bipartisan Support
The development of CSSB 64 reflects a collaborative effort among lawmakers from different political perspectives. It builds upon previous function by former Senators Mike Shower and Representative Chris Tuck, and recent collaboration between Senator Bill Wielechowski and Representative Sarah Vance.
Looking Ahead
With CSSB 64 nearing completion, Alaska has an opportunity to demonstrate that bipartisan cooperation can lead to meaningful improvements in election administration. Passing this bill will strengthen election integrity, protect voter data, enhance transparency, and ensure every eligible voter can participate with confidence.
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