Alaska

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Alaska by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Alaska’s Online Voting Registration website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the website, or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail, fax or email attachment to a Regional Elections Office.
• In person: Register to vote or update your registration in person at a Division of Elections office or a voter Registration Agency in your area. You must register 30 days before the election.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

Am I automatically registered to vote in Alaska?

Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 1 (Permanent Fund Dividend Automatic Voter Registration) in 2016, which automatically registers eligible applicants or updates voter registration information unless an applicant opts-out. After the March 31 PFD application deadline, the Division of Elections sends notices to all applicants who will either become newly registered voters or will have their Alaska residence address updated from their PFD application. Applicants must respond within 30 days to the opt-out notice. Newly registered voters will be registered as undeclared. All voters who are updated and newly registered will receive a new voter card in the mail after registrations have been processed.

For more information on automatic voter registration, check out this FAQ.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 30 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Alaska varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to with either your Alaska Driver's License number, or Alaska State ID card number, or social security number. If you have never been issued one of these identification numbers then the voter registration application will have a space for you to indicate this fact.

Registering to vote by mail

You must provide one of the following identification numbers: Alaska Driver's License or Alaska State Identification Card Number. If you do not have an Alaska Driver's License or Alaska State Identification Card, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you do not have any of these identification numbers, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned to you for voter registration purposes. This information is kept confidential. Having this information assists in maintaining your voter record and may assist in verifying your identity (Title 15 of the Alaska Statutes).

Registering to vote online

You must have a valid Alaska driver's license or state ID card and the information you enter when registering must match the information on your Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record. If you do not have a valid Alaska driver's license or state ID, or your information cannot be validated, you may select to register using a paper registration form.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Alaska can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Alaska’s voter registration page on their Division of Elections website.
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Alaska, you need to be registered to vote at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

No, Alaska does not have same-day voter registration. This means you cannot register to vote on Election Day. You must register at least 30 days before an election in order to vote.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

No, in Alaska, you cannot register to vote during early voting. To cast your vote in an election, make sure you’re registered at least 30 days in advance. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Alaska residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least 18 years old within 90 days of completing this registration
• Be a resident of Alaska
• Not be a convicted felon (unless unconditionally discharged)
• Not be registered to vote in another State

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Alaska gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.