Election Series: Primary Election

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

In this issue:

• Election Series: Voting in the Primary Election by August 18th
• Special Session Update
• Community Information & Events



Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Primary Election is on August 18th. This week in our Election Series, we explain how and where to vote.

We also provide an update on the third 2026 special session.

Read on to learn more.

Early Voting

In Anchorage, you can vote early at the following locations:

Election Day Polling Places

The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18th. To look up your polling place:



The polling places in Senate District H, House Districts 15 and 16, are listed below.

Polling Places - House District 15

Polling Places - House District 16

Please Bring Identification to the Polls

You MUST be prepared to show one form of identification. You may use the following ID:

• Voter ID Card
• Driver’s License
• State ID Card
• Current and valid photo ID Card
• Passport
• Military ID Card
• Birth Certificate
• Hunting or Fishing License

Alternatively, you may use an original copy of one of the following documents if it contains your name and current address:

• Current Utility Bill
• Government Check
• Bank Statement
• Paycheck
• Other Government Document
• Tribal ID

Ballot Measure Pamphlet

The Division of Elections published a Ballot Measure Pamphlet (BMP) for the primary election that you may have received in the mail. The BMP contains primary election voting information as well as a description of Ballot Measure 1 and statements from supporters and opposition. To access the electronic version of the BMP, click here.

The Division will issue another BMP, which will include information on the candidates and for Ballot Measures 2 and 3, prior to the General Election.

Sample Ballots

The Division of Elections posts sample ballots on their website so voters can view their district's ballot ahead of time and know what to expect. Each ballot is one page, front-and-back. This year for West Anchorage voters in Senate District H, there are four races and one ballot measure on every ballot: United States Senator, United States Representative, Governor/Lt. Governor, State Representative (specific to your House District) and Ballot Measure 1. Ten state senate districts will also vote for a State Senator.

Below are the sample ballots for House Districts 15 and 16. For all other districts, click here.

Click here to access the HD15 sample ballot on the Division of Elections website.

Nonpartisan Top Four Primary Election



Alaska uses a Nonpartisan Top Four Primary—a blanket primary—to determine the top four vote getters who will advance to the General Election, regardless of political affiliation. In accordance with Alaska law, a primary election candidate does not have to be a member of a political party or a political group to run for office. If a candidate is registered as affiliated with a political party or group, it does not imply the candidate is nominated by, endorsed by, approved by, or associated with that particular party or group. As required by law, there is one primary ballot.

The Governor called a third 2026 special session on July 27th that ends on August 25th. The Governor called this third special session so the Legislature can continue work on gas pipeline legislation. The Governor proposed a new bill related to the proposed liquid natural gas (LNG) project on August 12th.

On Monday, the Senate Majority held a press conference to discuss the LNG legislation and the status of the third 2026 special session. Following the press conference, the Senate Majority issued a position paper titled "We Support a Natural Gas Pipeline." You can read it here.

Related: A joint meeting of the Senate & House Resources Committees is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th at 2 p.m. at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. Members will receive a Cook Inlet gas supply update. You can watch live at akl.tv.

When: Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Alyeska Resort - 1000 Arlberg Ave., Girdwood, AK

This free annual festival is packed with live music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and vendors. Plus, the event features a Kids Zone, Lifts for Little Bears chair rides and a pie-eating contest. The Blueberry Creations Contest will be held on Saturday.

Anchorage Runfest

When: Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday, August 16th at 8:00 a.m.

Where: Various locations - see website

Bib pick-up: 1st United Methodist Church - 725 W 9th Ave. on Friday, August 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There are options for every runner at the Anchorage Runfest, including the Military Mile, the Anchorage Mile, a 49K ultra, full and half-marathons and a 5K. Plus, there’s plenty of other fun including a pasta feed, beer garden and other activities surrounding the races.

Registration required; see website to submit late registration Friday and Saturday.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,