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Laws governing local ballot measures in Alaska

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Laws Governing Local Ballot Measures
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This page describes the state constitutional provisions and statutes that govern local ballot measures in Alaska. Jurisdictions often establish additional rules within the parameters of state law; those can be found in local ordinances and home-rule charters.

Explore the links below for more information:

Law

The Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statutes authorize and provide for the framework around local ballot measures.

General

The following outlines the general rules that govern local ballot measures in Alaska, including both citizen-initiated measures and referred measures from local government bodies.

  • Vote requirements: A simple majority vote is required for ballot measures in Alaska.[1]
  • Required ballot measures: The Alaska Constitution prohibits using the initiative process for local or special legislation, dedication of revenue, or appropriations.[2]

Initiatives

The following outlines additional rules that govern local citizen-initiated ballot measures in Alaska.

  • Authority: According to the Alaska Statutes, the initiative process is available to all local governments.[1] Residents of charter cities and charter boroughs may also initiate charter amendments.[3]
  • Signatures: In Alaska, the signature requirement for local initiatives depends on the population of the jurisdiction.
    • If the population is over 7,500, 15% of votes cast in the last general election.[1]
    • If the population is under 7,500, 25% of votes cast in the last general election.[1]
  • Deadlines: Petitioners have 90 days to circulate petitions. An election is held on the referendum if the governing body does not repeal the targeted ordinance or resolution. The election must be at least 60 days after certification. If no previously scheduled election is scheduled within 60-75 days, the municipal government decides whether to hold a special election or place it on the next regular election ballot.[1][4]
  • Subject restrictions: Article XI, Section 7 of the Alaska Constitution prohibits the initiative/referendum process for being used for:
    • The dedication of revenues, or to make or repeal appropriations;[2]
    • Create courts, or to define the jurisdiction of courts or their rules;[2]
    • To enact local or special legislation;[2]
    • Referendums on laws necessary for the "immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety."[2]

Referrals

The following outlines additional rules that govern local referred ballot measures in Alaska.

  • Authority: Local governing bodies may refer questions to voters under state law and their charters; but initiatives or referenda must not be used for local or special legislation under the Alaska Constitution.[1][2]
  • Deadlines: The state statutes or constitution do not set deadlines, but local units usually have deadlines set in their charter or statute.[4]

Laws governing local ballot measures in the U.S.

Laws governing local ballot measures in the United States

As state laws govern ballot measures, the rules are different from state to state. Click on a state below to explore that state's laws on local ballot measures.

http://ballotpedia.org/Laws_governing_local_ballot_measures_in_STATE

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Alaska Statutes, "AS 29.26.100–190 – Municipal Initiative and Referendum," accessed November 6, 2025
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Alaska Constitution, "Article XI," accessed November 6, 2025
  3. ↑ Alaska Statutes, "AS 29.10.030 – Mandatory Charter Provisions," accessed November 6, 2025
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Alaska Statutes, "AS 15 – Elections," accessed November 6, 2025
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