The Sealaska Board of Directors has adopted a resolution opposing Ballot Measure 2 and endorsing the No on 2 – Protect Alaska's Elections Campaign, which seeks to preserve Alaska's campaign finance disclosure laws and open primary system.

Alaska voters will consider Ballot Measure 2 in November. Alaska's current election system preserves broad voter participation through open primaries and ranked choice voting, ensuring all voters have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the electoral process regardless of party affiliation. Ballot Measure 2 would eliminate ranked choice voting and replace open primaries with closed partisan primaries, potentially excluding more than 60% of Alaska voters who are not registered with a political party from fully participating in primary elections. The measure would also repeal the state's nation-leading campaign finance disclosure laws, ending requirements that political groups disclose the true sources of spending in Alaska elections.

“For generations, Alaska Native people have worked to ensure that all voices are heard and that every citizen has a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy,” said Sealaska President Sarah Dybdahl. “That history reminds us that transparency, inclusion, and voter participation are not abstract principles; they are hard-won rights. Ballot Measure 2 would diminish those gains and move us away from the principles of openness and participation that have helped build a stronger Alaska.”

Sealaska, the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska, serves more than 27,000 shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian descent. For years, Sealaska has partnered with Get Out the Native Vote and the Southeast Unity Group to increase voter participation among Alaska Native people. Because most Alaska voters register as nonpartisan or undeclared, the open primary system allows every shareholder to participate fully in every election. The current system has also created more opportunities for Alaska Native candidates to run for office and succeed.

Protecting broad participation in elections aligns with Sealaska's commitment to ensuring Alaska Native voices are heard in decisions that affect our communities. The Board's support for the No on 2 campaign reflects Sealaska's values of community, accountability and informed participation in the democratic process.