Alaska to Vote on Affirming Noncitizen Voting Ban in 2026

The initiative seeks to add a single word to state law requiring Alaska voters to be U.S. citizens.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:04am

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Alaska voters will be asked in 2026 whether they want to affirm a state statute banning noncitizen voting. The initiative, backed by a group of former Republican state lawmakers, aims to add the word "only" to a law that already requires Alaska voters to be U.S. citizens. Supporters say it will eliminate ambiguity, while opponents argue it could confuse voters by implying non-citizens can currently vote, which is not the case.

Why it matters

The initiative is part of broader efforts by Republicans to enact stricter voting requirements, including a U.S. Senate bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote nationwide. In Alaska, the measure could impact rural residents who live far from election offices, making in-person registration difficult.

The details

The initiative was launched by a group called Alaskans for Citizen Voting, formed by three former Republican state lawmakers: Mike Chenault, John Coghill, and Josh Revak. They gathered the required 34,944 valid voter signatures to put the question on the 2026 ballot. The initiative seeks to amend the existing state law, which says "A person may vote at any election who is a citizen of the United States," to read "Only a person who is a citizen of the United States ... may vote at any election."

  • The initiative will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot, unless the state legislature adjourns by April 20, in which case it will be on the August 20, 2026 primary ballot.
  • The U.S. Senate began debating a bill on March 17, 2026 that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote nationwide.

The players

Nancy Dahlstrom

The Republican lieutenant governor of Alaska, who is charged with overseeing the state's election system including the ballot initiative process.

Mike Chenault

A former Republican speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives and one of the founders of the Alaskans for Citizen Voting group.

John Coghill

A former Republican state senator and one of the founders of the Alaskans for Citizen Voting group.

Josh Revak

A former Republican state senator and one of the founders of the Alaskans for Citizen Voting group.

Dick Uihlein

A billionaire GOP donor who has funded the Alaskans for Citizen Voting initiative as well as similar citizen initiatives across the country.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.