The Grassroots Rebellion Against Ranked Choice Voting in Alaska

The following, by guest author Phil Izon, is a first-hand account of Alaska’s attempt to repeal RCV. Phil led the effort in Alaska and is the author of (manufactured) Majority.

The icy winds of Alaska carry tales of resilience and defiance, none more potent than the battle waged by ordinary citizens against the Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) lobby. In 2024, this rugged state became the epicenter of a fierce struggle between a grassroots movement and a $15 million campaign defending RCV, of which only $10,000 was raised within Alaska. This was a story of uneven odds, relentless determination, and an unyielding commitment to preserving the Republic.

RCV was introduced in Alaska as a solution to political partisanship and voter dissatisfaction. Proponents claimed it would create fairer elections by allowing voters to rank candidates by preference. First implemented in the 2022 elections, the system sparked controversy almost immediately. While some praised its potential to ensure broader representation, others condemned its complexity and the unintended consequences it unleashed.

The 2022 election results revealed a troubling undercurrent. Voter turnout hit an all-time low as many Alaskans struggled to understand the ranking process. For some, ballots were rendered void due to errors or confusion. Critics argued that the system favored candidates adept at gaming the rankings rather than those with broad support. These frustrations planted the seeds of a grassroots rebellion.

By 2024, the battle lines were drawn. Out-of-state organizations and wealthy donors poured resources into defending RCV, painting it as a safeguard for democracy. Campaign rhetoric extended to claims that RCV protected military voting rights and even abortion access, asserting these were at risk if RCV were repealed. Their $15 million war chest funded glossy advertisements, digital campaigns, and high-profile endorsements from 22 unions and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski. Meanwhile, the grassroots movement opposing RCV scraped together just a fraction of that, relying on small local donations and over 500 volunteers. The disparity was stark: the RCV lobby spent $93 per vote, while the grassroots campaign spent a mere $0.93 per vote.

Despite the financial disadvantage, the grassroots campaign flourished through creativity and resourcefulness. Volunteers trudged through subzero temperatures, knocking on doors to engage voters directly. Town hall meetings became forums to recruit volunteers and foster community involvement, while social media buzzed with testimonials from voters disillusioned by their experiences with RCV. Their message was simple: RCV was too complicated, disenfranchised voters, and threatened the integrity of Alaska’s elections.

The RCV lobby relied heavily on claims of fairness and transparency. They touted endorsements from prominent figures and argued RCV eliminated the "spoiler effect," ensuring majority-supported winners. However, the opposition countered with hard realities. For the first time in 50 years, a Democrat won Alaska’s U.S. House seat, while both the State House and Senate fell under Democrat control. Moreover, Senator Lisa Murkowski could no longer be primaried due to the elimination of traditional primaries under the new system. Ballot exhaustion—a phenomenon where votes were discarded if no further preferences were ranked—also undermined RCV’s promise of securing true majorities.

Key moments shifted public perception during the 2024 campaign. Reports exposing the high financial costs of implementing RCV undercut claims of fiscal responsibility. Stories of elderly voters struggling with the ranking process added a personal dimension to the opposition’s argument. As Election Day approached, the grassroots campaign amplified its efforts, employing humor, anecdotes, and relatable visuals to demystify their message.

The showdown culminated in a tense election. Volunteers worked tirelessly to educate voters and mobilize turnout. While the grassroots campaign couldn’t match the saturation of the pro-RCV advertisements, their authenticity and alignment with Alaskan values resonated deeply.

The results were bittersweet. Despite their valiant efforts, the repeal initiative narrowly failed by just 0.1%, after leading by over 4,000 votes on election night and holding that lead for two weeks. The $15 million campaign’s influence proved insurmountable. However, the grassroots movement achieved something remarkable. Their campaign forced a critical dialogue about the complexities and pitfalls of RCV, inspiring national debates and saving six states from implementing similar systems.

In the icy expanse of Alaska, where survival often hinges on resourcefulness and grit, the grassroots movement against RCV proved that determination could challenge even the deepest pockets. While the repeal effort fell short, their story serves as a beacon for future movements—a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of the American Republic.

Looking ahead, Alaskans remain undeterred. Plans are already underway to bring the repeal of RCV to the ballot once more in 2026, fueled by lessons learned and a continued commitment to electoral integrity.