Alaskans Reject Trump's Attempt to Influence Elections

Anchorage resident calls on state leaders to protect democratic process

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A close-up view of an old, worn ballot box sitting alone on an empty city street, the box's surface reflecting the warm, angled sunlight and deep shadows that create a sense of solemnity and nostalgia.A quiet, cinematic scene reflecting the high stakes and lingering tensions around Alaska's electoral process.Anchorage Today

In a letter to the editor, an Anchorage resident strongly condemned former President Trump's efforts to interfere in Alaska's elections, particularly his push to repeal the state's ranked choice voting system. The writer accused Trump and his Republican allies of being "power-obsessed" and afraid of free, fair, and open elections that reflect the will of the majority of voters.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and his supporters, who seek to undermine democratic norms, and Alaskans who want to preserve the integrity of their state's electoral process. It also raises concerns about the role of national political figures in influencing local elections.

The details

In the letter, the writer directly calls on Trump to "keep your nose out of our elections" and not meddle in Alaska's affairs. The writer also criticizes Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich, accusing them of being afraid to expose their "power-obsessed ways" to free and fair elections.

  • The letter was published on April 19, 2026.

The players

Vince Finnemore

An Anchorage resident who wrote the letter to the editor.

Donald Trump

The former president who has been pushing to repeal Alaska's ranked choice voting system.

Sen. Dan Sullivan

An Alaska Republican senator who the writer accuses of being afraid of free and fair elections.

Rep. Nick Begich

An Alaska Republican representative who the writer accuses of being afraid of free and fair elections.

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What they’re saying

“Trump is not interested in democracy. He wants to manipulate elections and maintain power for himself and other so-called Republicans of his ilk.”

— Vince Finnemore, Anchorage resident

“This is not the president's role or business. Keep your authoritarian nose out of all states' elections.”

— Vince Finnemore, Anchorage resident

The takeaway

This letter reflects the deep divisions in Alaska over the role of national political figures in state and local elections. It underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of democratic processes and resisting efforts to undermine them, even from powerful national figures.