Current:Home > ScamsMeasure aimed at repealing Alaska’s ranked voting system still qualifies for ballot, officials say -FundSphere
Measure aimed at repealing Alaska’s ranked voting system still qualifies for ballot, officials say
View
Date:2025-04-12 15:35:30
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An initiative aimed at repealing Alaska’s ranked choice voting system still has sufficient signatures to qualify for the November ballot, attorneys for the state said in court filings Tuesday, days after a judge disqualified some of the booklets used to gather signatures.
Superior Court Judge Christina Rankin in a ruling last Friday found instances in which the signature-gathering process was not properly carried out and disqualified those booklets. She ordered elections officials to remove the disqualified signatures and booklets and to determine if the measure still had sufficient signatures.
Alaska Department of Law attorneys in court documents Tuesday said the Division of Elections had completed that work and found the measure “remains qualified” for the ballot.
This comes as part of a lawsuit brought by three voters challenging the repeal measure. Rankin last month ruled the division acted within its authority when it allowed sponsors of the repeal measure to fix errors with petition booklets after they were turned in and found the agency had complied with deadlines. Her ruling Friday focused on challenges to the initiative sponsors’ signature-collecting methods that were the subject of a recent trial.
Scott Kendall, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said once the judge enters a final judgment in the case, “we will consult with our clients and decide on next steps.”
Kendall was an author of a successful 2020 ballot measure that replaced party primaries with open primaries and instituted ranked voting in general elections. Under open primaries, the top four vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. The new system, used for the first time in 2022, also will be used this year.
Kevin Clarkson, a former state attorney general representing the repeal initiative sponsors, called the result of the division’s recalculation of signatures the “correct” one. He said it was one his side also had anticipated based on its own calculations following Rankin’s decision.
veryGood! (35)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Blake Lively Calls Out Ryan Reynolds for Posting Sentimental Pic of Her While He's Working
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, From A to Z
- Taylor Swift unveils new 'Fearless' and 'Tortured Poets' dresses in Milan, Italy
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Score Top Holiday Gifts Up to 60% Off at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024: Jo Malone, Le Creuset & More
- Suitcases containing suspected human remains found on iconic U.K. bridge
- Renowned Sex Therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer Dead at 96
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- A shooting in Germany linked to a domestic dispute leaves 3 dead, 2 wounded
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dinnertime (Freestyle)
- The Secret Service is investigating how a gunman who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close
- Olympics-Bound Surfer Griffin Colapinto Reveals Advice Matthew McConaughey Gave Him About Handling Fame
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Alec Baldwin Speaks Out After Rust Shooting Trial Is Dismissed
- Former NFL Player Jacoby Jones Dead at 40
- Donald Trump whisked off stage in Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Taylor Swift swallows bug in Milan, leaves audience feeling like they're 'The 1'
Why Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Praising Super Trooper Princess Anne
Taylor Swift unveils new 'Fearless' and 'Tortured Poets' dresses in Milan, Italy
Average rate on 30
Spoilers! How Nicolas Cage's mom inspired his 'Longlegs' 'boogeyman'
Facebook and Instagram roll back restrictions on Trump ahead of GOP convention
Chuck Lorre vows 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' success, even if TV marriage is doomed