The bill proposes significant amendments to Alaska's election laws, focusing on enhancing voter registration processes and accessibility. Key provisions include allowing individuals aged 16 and 17 to preregister to vote, provided they intend to be 18 within two years, and clarifying residency rules to ensure individuals do not lose their residence status when temporarily away for reasons like military service or education. The bill also introduces electronic signatures for voter registration and mandates that election materials be provided in the voter's preferred language, aligning with federal requirements. Additionally, it streamlines the registration process by removing the pre-election registration requirement and allowing voters who register within 30 days of an election to vote using absentee or questioned ballots.

Further amendments aim to improve the efficiency and integrity of the voting process. The bill allows absentee ballots cast in person to be counted even if the voter's certificate is not properly signed, and it establishes an online ballot-tracking system for voters to confirm their ballot status. It also requires secure ballot drop boxes and addresses cybersecurity measures for voter registration records. The Alaska Public Offices Commission is tasked with maintaining election-related information online, and the bill mandates a report on expanding early voting in rural communities by November 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance voter access, streamline processes, and safeguard against election-related fraud, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0064A, AM SB 64, introduced 01/22/2025: 15.05.010, 15.05.020, 15.15.210, 15.20.215, 15.07.040, 15.07.060, 15.07.070, 15.07.050, 15.07.090, 15.07.130, 15.07.120, U.S.C, 15.10.105, 15.10.170, 15.13.020, 15.15.060, 15.15.370, 15.15.350, 15.20.201, 15.20.207, 15.20.203, 15.15.420, 15.15.430, 15.20.030, 15.20.072, 15.20.081, 09.63.020, 15.20.480, 15.20.061, 15.15.225, 15.07.055, 15.20.220, 15.20.222, 15.56.030, 15.80.010, 19.25.105, 24.45.091, 24.45.111, 29.26.050, 39.50.020, 15.25.030, 39.50.200, 44.62.310