The bill amends Alaska's election laws to improve voter registration and absentee voting processes. It removes the requirement for voters to register before an election, allowing individuals to register within 30 days of the election and still vote using absentee in-person, special needs, or questioned ballots. New requirements for those registering close to an election include providing an affidavit regarding residency and identification to confirm their Alaska residence. Additionally, voters who register or transfer their registration within this 30-day window can cast their votes using absentee methods without being rejected for not being on the official registration list. The bill also mandates that the director of elections include subsequent candidate rankings in unofficial results published after elections.

In terms of absentee voting, the bill requires absentee voters to sign their certificates in the presence of a witness who is at least 18 years old and mandates that election supervisors begin reviewing absentee ballot certificates and envelopes at least 10 days before the election. It introduces a new procedure for curing uncounted ballots, allowing voters to correct deficiencies in their submissions within a specified timeframe. The rejection criteria for absentee ballots are clarified, ensuring that ballots can only be counted if the accompanying voter certificate meets certain conditions. Furthermore, municipalities are prohibited from rejecting absentee ballots from voters who register within 30 days of an election. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to make the election process more accessible and transparent for Alaskan voters.

Statutes affected:
HB0043A, AM HB 43, introduced 01/17/2025: 15.05.010, 15.07.060, 15.07.070, 15.07.050, 15.07.090, 15.07.130, 15.20.045, 15.20.800, 15.15.370, 15.15.350, 15.20.030, 15.20.010, 15.20.220, 15.20.061, 15.20.072, 15.20.050, 15.20.064, 15.20.081, 09.63.020, 15.20.201, 15.20.203, 15.15.225, 15.07.055, 15.20.222, 15.56.030, 15.80.010, 15.58.030, 29.20.380, 29.26.050