Abstract
In 2020, Alaska voters approved a ballot measure that implemented Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in statewide and state legislative contests, as well as Congressional races. The 2022 election was the first cycle in which voters and election officials experienced voting using RCV rules. This paper examines the information landscape surrounding the RCV elections, including how organizations, candidates, political parties, and election officials communicate with voters in 2022 about the new rules. We use data gathered from tweets and newspaper coverage surrounding the election, as well as through interviews with Alaskan stakeholders. The paper also examines election results of primary and general elections from 2014 through 2022 to examine whether RCV created increased voter confusion. Finally, we note that Alaska provides unique opportunities to analyze RCV understanding among language minority communities (Tagalog, Spanish, and Native Alaskan). Therefore, we will also analyze if voters’ understanding of RCV rules varies by language communities, in addition to other demographic factors among voters.