Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB52

Alaska SB52: Changes to Ballot Counting and Voting Deadlines

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill requires all ballot counting in Alaska to finish by 11:59 p.m. on Election Day, sets new deadlines for receiving overseas absentee ballots, and updates rules for early voting.

Requires that the tabulation and counting of all ballots be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. Alaska time on the day of the election.
Allows the director to delay final results if ballots are delayed due to weather or aircraft mechanical issues, provided they are stored in a transparent, secured container under video surveillance until delivered.
Extends the deadline for receiving absentee ballots from overseas voters and uniformed service members to 10 days after a primary election or 15 days after a general election if mailed by Election Day.
Updates early voting rules so that ballots cast in person before Election Day must be counted no later than 11:59 p.m. Alaska time on the day of the election.
Requires absentee ballot applications from overseas voters and uniformed service members to be submitted at least 45 or 60 days before an election for timely delivery.

Election boards and officials responsible for counting ballots in Alaska
Voters who cast absentee ballots, especially those living overseas or serving in the military
Early voters who mark their ballots at designated locations before Election Day

The official text provided ends abruptly in Section 11, so some specific conditions about ballot rejection may be incomplete.
Details on how election boards will handle video recording equipment during weather delays are left to be prescribed by the director.

Plain language

Absentee ballot: A vote marked by a voter away from the polling place, usually sent or delivered by mail.
Tabulated: The process of counting and recording votes on ballots.

Official record

Validated

ABSENTEE BALLOTS An Act relating to the day on which ballots are counted in an election; relating to absentee voting; and relating to early voting.

Official activity