Alaska 34th Alaska State Legislature Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 5 I · 1 D cosponsors

HB 43 — An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to the crime of unlawful interference with voting; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 22, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 6 sponsors

    1 primary, 5 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (5 I · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

420 added · 713 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amended version of HB 43 simplifies the voter registration process by allowing individuals to register to vote within 30 days of an election, as long as they provide a signed affidavit confirming their residency. This change is significant because it makes it easier for eligible voters to participate in elections, especially for those who may have recently moved or who did not register in advance. Additionally, the bill appears to have shifted focus from broader election administration issues to specifically addressing voter registration and unlawful voting interference.

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34-LS0231\G CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
34-LS0231\N HOUSE BILL NO.
43(STA) IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Referred:
43 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES SCHRAGE, Edgmon, Burke, Holland, Galvin, Himschoot Introduced:
Finance Sponsor(s):
1/22/25 Referred:
REPRESENTATIVES SCHRAGE, Edgmon, Burke, Holland, Galvin, Himschoot A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to elections;
State Affairs, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to elections;
relating to voter registration;
relating to election administration;
relating to campaign signs;
relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission;
relating to public official financial disclosures;
AS 15.05.020 is amended to read:
AS 15.07.060 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
HB0043b -1- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G Sec.
(g) An applicant who requests registration within 30 days before an election in which the applicant desires to vote shall provide HB0043a -1- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N (1) an affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury and witnessed by an election official, stating whether the applicant established residency at least 30 days before the date of the election in (A) the state;
15.05.020.
and (B) the house district in which the applicant seeks to vote at the election;
Rules for determining residence of voter.
and (2) a physical or electronic copy of (A) identification issued by the federal government, the state, a municipality, a tribal government, or a secondary or postsecondary school that displays the applicant's Alaska residence address;
For the purpose of determining residence for voting, the place of residence is governed by the following rules:
or (B) a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document dated not more than 60 days before the registration or reregistration and displaying the applicant's name and Alaska residence address.
(1) A person may not be considered to have gained a residence solely by reason of presence nor may a person lose it solely by reason of absence while in the civil or military service of this state or of the United States or of absence because of marriage to a person engaged in the civil or military service of this state or the United States, while a student at an institution of learning, while in an institution or asylum at public expense, while confined in public prison, while engaged in the navigation of waters of this state or the United States or of the high seas, while residing on [UPON] an Indian or military reservation, or while residing in the Alaska Pioneers' Home or the Alaska Veterans' Home.
(2) The residence of a person is that place in which the pnsos physical habitation is fixed, and to which, whenever absent, the person has an articulable and reasonable plan [THE INTENTION] to return.
If a person resides in one place, but does business in another, the former is the person's place of residence.
Temporary work sites do not constitute a dwelling place.
(3) [A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE IS MADE ONLY BY THE ACT OF REMOVAL JOINED WITH THE INTENT TO REMAIN IN ANOTHER PLACE.] There can only be one residence.
(4) A person does not lose residence if the person leaves home and goes to another country, state, or place in this state for temporary purposes only and with the intent of returning to the person's residence.
(5) A person does not gain residence in any place to which the person comes without the present intention to establish a permanent dwelling at that place.
(6) A person loses residence in this state if the person establishes residence in another state or votes in another state's election, either in person or by absentee ballot, and will not be eligible to vote in this state until again qualifying under AS 15.05.010.
(7) The term of residence is computed by including the day on which the person's residence begins and excluding the day of election.
CSHB 43(STA) -2- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G (8) The address of a voter as it appears on the official voter registration record is presumptive evidence of the person's voting residence.
This presumption is negated [ONLY] if the voter notifies the director in writing of a change of voting residence.
When a voter's qualification is questioned under AS 15.15.210 or challenged in accordance with the procedure adopted in regulation under AS 15.20.215, the presumption may be rebutted by providing evidence to the division that the voter has established residence in another state or place in this state or evidence that the voter is not a resident under (2) - (7) of this section.
AS 15.07.060 is amended by adding new subsections to read:
(g) The division shall provide an applicant the opportunity to designate, from among the written languages in which the division is required to print election materials under 52 U.S.C.
10503, as amended, the language in which the applicant prefers to receive ballots and other election materials printed for an election.
The division shall provide the applicant with ballots and election materials in the applicant's designated language unless the applicant designates a language in which the division is not required to print ballots and election materials.
The division shall notify an applicant when ballots and election materials printed in the designated language are not available and allow the applicant another opportunity to designate a language under this subsection.
The division shall provide an applicant with ballots and election materials in the designated language until the earlier of the date that (1) the applicant's voter registration is inactivated or cancelled;
or (2) the division is no longer required under 52 U.S.C.
10503, as amended, to print ballots and election materials in the designated language.
(h) An applicant who requests registration within 30 days before an election shall supply a declaration stating whether the applicant established residency at least 30 days before the date of the election in (1) the state;
(2) the house district in which the applicant seeks to vote at the election.
* Sec.
4.
AS 15.07.070(b) is amended to read:
(b) To register by mail or by facsimile, scanning, or other electronic HB0043b -3- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G transmission approved by the director under AS 15.07.050, the director, the area election supervisor, or a voter registration agency shall furnish, at no cost to the voter, forms prepared by the director on which the registration information required under AS 15.07.060 shall be inserted by the voter, by a person on behalf of the voter if that person is designated to act on behalf of the voter in a power of attorney, or by a person on behalf of the voter if the voter is physically incapacitated.
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The director shall accept the electronic signature of the voter or a person acting on behalf of the voter.
The director may require proof of identification of the applicant as required by regulations adopted by the director under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act).
Upon receipt and approval of the completed registration forms, the director or the election supervisor shall forward to the voter an acknowledgment, and the voter's name shall immediately be placed on the master register.
If the registration is denied, the voter shall immediately be informed in writing that registration was denied and the reason for denial.
When identifying information has been provided by the voter as required by this chapter, the election supervisor shall forward to the voter a registration card.
* Sec.
5.
A person submitting a completed registration form that does CSHB 43(STA) -4- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G not meet the requirements of this subsection for placement on the master register for the next election but who complies with AS 15.07.060(h) may vote an absentee in-person, special needs, or questioned ballot at that election.
A person submitting a completed registration form that does not meet the requirements of this subsection for placement on the master register for the next election but who complies with AS 15.07.060(g) may vote an absentee HB 43 -2- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N in-person, special needs, or questioned ballot at that election.
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(b) A voter shall reregister if the voter's registration is cancelled as provided in HB0043b -5- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G AS 15.07.130.
(b) A voter shall reregister if the voter's registration is cancelled as provided in AS 15.07.130.
A person reregistering under this subsection may vote only an absentee in-person, special needs, or questioned ballot until [THE REREGISTRATION IS EFFECTIVE FOR] the next election that occurs at least 30 days after the date of reregistration.
A person reregistering under this subsection may vote only an absentee in-person, special needs, or questioned ballot until [THE HB0043a -3- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N REREGISTRATION IS EFFECTIVE FOR] the next election that occurs at least 30 days after the date of reregistration.
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THE DIRECTOR OR THE DIRECTOR'S REPRESENTATIVE SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE VOTER IS CSHB 43(STA) -6- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G REGISTERED IN THE HOUSE DISTRICT BEFORE COUNTING THE BALLOT.
THE DIRECTOR OR THE DIRECTOR'S REPRESENTATIVE SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE VOTER IS REGISTERED IN THE HOUSE DISTRICT BEFORE COUNTING THE BALLOT.
A VOTER WHO HAS FAILED TO OBTAIN A TRANSFER AS PROVIDED IN (c) OF THIS SECTION SHALL VOTE A "QUESTIONED BALLOT" IN THE PRECINCT IN WHICH THE VOTER RESIDES].
A VOTER WHO HAS FAILED TO OBTAIN A TRANSFER AS PROVIDED IN (c) HB 43 -4- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N OF THIS SECTION SHALL VOTE A "QUESTIONED BALLOT" IN THE PRECINCT IN WHICH THE VOTER RESIDES].
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AS 15.07.130(a) is amended to read:
(a) Periodically, at times of the director's choosing, but not [NO] less frequently than in January of each calendar year, the director shall examine the master register maintained under AS 15.07.120 and shall send, by forwardable [NONFORWARDABLE] mail to the voter's registration mailing address, and to the voter's electronic mail address, if available, a notice requesting address confirmation or correction.
The notice must explain that the voter's registration will be inactivated unless the voter responds to the notice within 45 days after the date the notice is sent.
The director shall send the notice to each voter (1) whose mail from the division has been returned to the division in the two years immediately preceding the examination of the register;
(2) who has not contacted the division in the two years immediately preceding the examination of the register and [;
OR (3)] who has not voted or appeared to vote in the two general elections immediately preceding the examination of the register;
or (3) who the division has learned, after registering to vote in this state and during the period encompassing the two general elections immediately preceding the examination of the register, has (A) registered to vote in another state;
(B) received a driver's license from another state;
(C) registered a vehicle in another state;
(D) received public assistance from another state;
(E) served on a jury in another state;
(F) obtained a resident hunting or fishing license in another state;
(G) paid the state resident tuition rate for a public university in another state;
HB0043b -7- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G (H) received a homestead or residential property tax exemption in another state;
or (I) received a benefit available only to residents of another state.
* Sec.
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AS 15.07 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
15.07.133.
Process to cancel registration.
The director shall develop a process to allow a voter to cancel the voter's registration electronically or in person before an election official.
The director shall prominently display instructions for a voter to cancel the voter's registration at each polling place.
* Sec.
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AS 15.10.105 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(c) The director shall employ five rural community liaisons and assign each liaison to a region of the state in a manner that ensures each part of the state has one rural community liaison.
The rural community liaisons shall collaborate with tribes, municipalities, corporations incorporated under AS 10.06, regional nonprofit corporations, and other community organizations to facilitate access to early and absentee voting in rural areas of the state and ensure that precincts in rural areas of the state are fully staffed.
* Sec.
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AS 15.13.020(j) is amended to read:
(j) The commission shall establish offices [AN OFFICE, WHICH MAY BE CALLED A REGIONAL OFFICE, IN EACH SENATE DISTRICT IN THE STATE TO KEEP ON FILE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION COPIES OF ALL REPORTS FILED WITH THE COMMISSION BY CANDIDATES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE AND BY CANDIDATES FOR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE IN THAT DISTRICT;
CSHB 43(STA) -8- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G HOWEVER, WHERE ONE MUNICIPALITY CONTAINS MORE THAN ONE HOUSE DISTRICT, ONLY ONE COMMISSION OFFICE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN THAT MUNICIPALITY.
THE REGIONAL OFFICE SHALL MAKE ALL FORMS AND PERTINENT MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO CANDIDATES.
ALL REPORTS SHALL BE FILED BY CANDIDATES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS DIRECTLY WITH THE COMMISSION'S CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE COMMISSION SHALL ENSURE THAT COPIES OF ALL REPORTS BY STATEWIDE AND LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES IN EACH SENATE DISTRICT ARE FORWARDED PROMPTLY TO THAT DISTRICT OR REGIONAL OFFICE].
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.060(a) is amended to read:
(a) Immediately following the appointment of the election board, the election supervisor in conjunction with the election board chair shall secure polling places for holding the election, suitable ballot boxes that will ensure [ASSURE] security, and an adequate number of voting booths or screens, national flags, pens, and pencils.
At every polling place, at least one voting booth shall be furnished and not less than one voting booth or screen shall be furnished for each 100 votes or fractional part of 100 votes cast in the previous election.
[AT EVERY POLLING PLACE, AT LEAST ONE-HALF OF THE VOTING BOOTHS USED SHALL BE NOT LESS THAN SIX FEET IN HEIGHT, ENCLOSED ON THREE SIDES, AND PROVIDED WITH A CURTAIN EXTENDING FROM THE TOP OF THE VOTING BOOTH TO WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 30 INCHES OF THE FLOOR.
THE CURTAIN OF THE VOTING BOOTH MUST CONCEAL THE VOTER WHILE VOTING.] The election supervisor and the election board chair may, in an emergency, secure an alternate location for a polling place.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.060(b) is amended to read:
(b) To ensure [ASSURE] administrative economy and to protect the secrecy of the ballot, the director may adopt regulations prescribing (1) the type of polling place for holding the election;
(2) the requirements regarding ballot boxes, voting screens, national flags, and other supplies;
and HB0043b -9- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G (3) [SUBJECT TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF (a) OF THIS SECTION,] the requirements regarding voting booths.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.060 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(f) At each polling place, the division shall provide language assistance as required under 52 U.S.C.
10503, as amended.
An election supervisor shall post at each polling place information regarding the availability of language assistance in English and all other languages for which language assistance is required to be provided in the jurisdiction under federal law.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
15.15.205.
Questioning of voter who requested absentee ballot.
If a voter appears on the official registration list as having received or voted an absentee ballot, the election official shall affirmatively advise the voter that the voter may surrender the absentee ballot for destruction or cast a questioned ballot.
If the voter does not surrender the absentee ballot, the voter shall be allowed to vote a questioned ballot.
* Sec.
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Results [COMPLETION] of ballot count [;
Completion of ballot count;
CERTIFICATE].
certificate.
The certificate includes the number of votes cast for each candidate, including, for a candidate in a general election, the number of votes at each ranking performed [ROUND OF THE RANKED-CHOICE TABULATION PROCESS] under AS 15.15.350, the number of votes for and against each proposition, yes or no on each question, and any additional information prescribed by the director.
The certificate includes the number of votes cast for each candidate, including, for a candidate in a general election, the number of votes at each round of the ranked-choice tabulation process under AS 15.15.350, the number of votes for and against each proposition, yes or no on each question, and any additional information prescribed by the director.
Each board shall, immediately upon completion of the certification and as soon thereafter as the local mail service permits, send the duplicate certificate to the respective election CSHB 43(STA) -10- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G supervisor.
Each board shall, immediately upon completion of the certification and as soon thereafter as the local mail service permits, send the duplicate certificate to the respective election supervisor.
If the director publishes unofficial results, the director shall include, for each candidate, the subsequent candidate rankings selected by the voters who ranked that candidate as the voters' first choice.
If the director publishes unofficial results, the director shall include, for each candidate, the subsequent HB0043a -5- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N candidate rankings selected by the voters who ranked that candidate as the voters' first choice.
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AS 15.15.370 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(b) Each day that the director releases unofficial totals of election results for a general election, the director shall also release an updated ranked-choice tabulation and identify the precincts that have been counted.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.380 is amended to read:
Sec.
15.15.380.
Payment of election board members.
The director shall pay each election board member for time spent at election duties, including the receiving of instructions.
Election board chairpersons and the chairperson and members of the absentee ballot, questioned ballot, and state ballot counting review boards shall be paid for time spent at their election duties.
The director shall set the compensation to be paid under this section.
The director may reduce the compensation to be paid under this section only by regulation.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.420 is amended to read:
Sec.
15.15.420.
Duty to review the ballot counting.
The director shall review the counting of the ballots under [WITH] the observance [ASSISTANCE] of and in the presence of the appointed representatives from the political parties.
A candidate for an office that is on the ballots being counted and appointde representatives from the group supporting and from the group opposing a ballot proposition may be present and observe.
* Sec.
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AS 15.15.430(a) is amended to read:
(a) The review of ballot counting by the director must [SHALL] include HB0043b -11- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G [ONLY (1)] a review of the precinct registers, tallies, and ballots cast.
The review must include [;
(2)] a review of absentee and questioned ballots as prescribed by law.
The review must include, for each house district except a house district where all races on the ballot are uncontested [;
AND (3) UNLESS THE BALLOT FOR THE HOUSE DISTRICT CONTAINS NOTHING BUT UNCONTESTED OFFICES], a hand count of ballots from one randomly selected precinct in the [EACH] house district that accounts for at least five percent of the ballots cast in that district.
The director may adopt regulations prescribing additional review procedures employing statistical methods to limit the risk of certifying an election result that would be inconsistent with the result that would be obtained by conducting a recount.
* Sec.
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(a) CSHB 43(STA) -12- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G The director or election supervisor may designate persons to act as absentee voting officials under AS 15.20.010 - 15.20.220 in areas where election supervisors do not have offices.
(a) The director or election supervisor may designate persons to act as absentee voting officials under AS 15.20.010 - 15.20.220 in areas where election supervisors do not have offices.
(b) The director may designate by regulation [ADOPTED UNDER AS 44.62 (ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT)] locations at which early [ABSENTEE] voting stations will be operated for persons to vote absentee ballots on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election.
(b) The director may designate by regulation [ADOPTED UNDER AS 44.62 HB 43 -6- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N (ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT)] locations at which early [ABSENTEE] voting stations will be operated for persons to vote absentee ballots on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election.
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(1) to an absentee voting official on or after the 20th [15TH] day HB0043b -13- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(1) to an absentee voting official on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(2) to an election supervisor on or after the 20th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(2) to an election supervisor on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(3) to an absentee voting official at an early [ABSENTEE] voting station designated under AS 15.20.045(b) on or after the 20th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(3) to an absentee voting official at an early [ABSENTEE] voting station designated under AS 15.20.045(b) on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including the date of the election;
(4) to an absentee voting official in the precinct in which no volunteers can be located to serve on the election board on or after the 20th [15TH] day before an election up to and including election day.
(4) to an absentee voting official in the precinct in which no volunteers HB0043a -7- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N can be located to serve on the election board on or after the 30th [15TH] day before an election up to and including election day.
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(a) For 20 [15] days before an election and on election day, a qualified voter who meets the requirements set out in this section may vote in locations designated by the director.
(a) For 30 [15] days before an election and on election day, a qualified voter who meets the requirements set out in this section may vote in locations designated by the director.
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AS 15.20.072 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(h) If a voter satisfies the requirements of (d) of this section, the division may not reject a voter's special needs ballot based on an error by an election official or representative on the register under (c) of this section or an error by a representative CSHB 43(STA) -14- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G under (d) of this section.
* Sec.
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IF NONE OF THE OFFICIALS LISTED IN THIS SUBSECTION IS REASONABLY ACCESSIBLE, AN ABSENTEE VOTER SHALL SIGN THE VOTER'S CERTIFICATE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, WHO SHALL SIGN AS A WITNESS AND ATTEST TO THE DATE ON WHICH THE VOTER SIGNED THE CERTIFICATE IN THE INDIVIDUAL'S PRESENCE, AND, IN ADDITION, THE] voter shall certify, as prescribed in AS 09.63.020, under penalty of perjury, that the statements in the voter's certification are true.
IF NONE OF THE OFFICIALS LISTED IN THIS HB 43 -8- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N SUBSECTION IS REASONABLY ACCESSIBLE, AN ABSENTEE VOTER SHALL SIGN THE VOTER'S CERTIFICATE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, WHO SHALL SIGN AS A WITNESS AND ATTEST TO THE DATE ON WHICH THE VOTER SIGNED THE CERTIFICATE IN THE INDIVIDUAL'S PRESENCE, AND, IN ADDITION, THE] voter shall certify, as prescribed in AS 09.63.020, under penalty of perjury, that the statements in the voter's certification are true.
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AS 15.20.081(e) is amended to read:
(e) An absentee ballot must be marked on or before the date of the election.
Except as provided in (h) of this section, a voter who returns the absentee ballot by mail, whether provided to the voter by mail or by electronic transmission, shall use a mail service at least equal to first class and mail the ballot not later than the day of the election to the election supervisor for the house district in which the voter seeks to vote.
Except as provided in AS 15.20.480, the ballot may not be counted unless it is received by the close of business on the 10th day after the election.
[IF THE BALLOT IS POSTMARKED, IT MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE ELECTION DAY.] After the day of the election, ballots may not be accepted unless received by mail.
A ballot received after the day of the election that is not postmarked or is postmarked after the day of the election may not be counted unless the ballot HB0043b -15- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G envelope is marked with a United States Postal Service tracking barcode sufficient to verify that the ballot was mailed on or before the day of the election or with a division of elections ballot tracking barcode sufficient to verify that the ballot was mailed on or before the day of the election.
* Sec.
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AS 15.20.081 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(m) If a voter requests under AS 15.07.060(g) or, at least 45 days before an election, requests in writing or by other means designated in regulations adopted by the director to receive a ballot in a language other than English in which the division is required to print election materials under 52 U.S.C.
10503, as amended, the director shall provide the voter with a ballot and election materials under this section in the language requested.
* Sec.
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AS 15.20.201(b) is amended to read:
(b) Counting of absentee ballots that have been reviewed shall begin not less than 10 days preceding [AT 8:00 P.M., LOCAL TIME, ON] the day of the election at places designated by each election supervisor and shall continue until all absentee ballots reviewed and eligible for counting have been counted.
The counting teams shall report the first count of absentee ballots to the district absentee ballot counting board not later than [.
AN ELECTION SUPERVISOR OR AN ELECTION OFFICIAL MAY NOT COUNT ABSENTEE BALLOTS BEFORE] 8:00 p.m., local time, on the day of the election.
Counting of the absentee ballots shall continue at times designated by the election supervisor until all absentee ballots are counted.
* Sec.
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(b) The board shall reject an [AN] absentee ballot [MAY NOT BE COUNTED] if CSHB 43(STA) -16- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G (1) the voter has failed to properly sign [EXECUTE] the certificate;
(b) The board shall reject an [AN] absentee ballot [MAY NOT BE COUNTED] if (1) the voter has failed to properly sign [EXECUTE] the certificate;
(4)] the ballot envelope and certificate, if delivered by mail after the day of the election [POSTMARKED], (A) is [NOT] postmarked after [ON OR BEFORE] the date of the election;
(4)] the ballot envelope and certificate, if delivered by mail after the day of the election [POSTMARKED], (A) is [NOT] postmarked after [ON OR BEFORE] the date of HB0043a -9- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N the election;
or (ii) voter other than one described in (i) of this subparagraph, did not provide identificationdescribed in HB0043b -17- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G AS 15.15.225(a), was not personally known by the election official, and has not provided the identifiers required in AS 15.07.060(a)(2) and (3);
or (ii) voter other than one described in (i) of this subparagraph, did not provide identification described in AS 15.15.225(a), was not personally known by the election official, and has not provided the identifiers required in AS 15.07.060(a)(2) and (3);
an item described in this sub-subparagraph must show the name and current address of the voter.
an item described in this sub-subparagraph must show the name and current address of HB 43 -10- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N the voter.
39.
21.
40.
22.
The director shall, within 48 hours and not later than five days after CSHB 43(STA) -18- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G election day, send a notice of deficiency by first class, nonforwardable mail to the address on the voter's registration record.
The director shall, within 48 hours and not later than five days after election day, send a notice of deficiency by first class, nonforwardable mail to the address on the voter's registration record.
(2) the voter provides a signature and includes a copy of a form of identification accepted by the division under AS 15.15.225(a);
(2) the voter provides a signature and includes a copy of a form of HB0043a -11- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N identification accepted by the division under AS 15.15.225(a);
41.
23.
(2) does not include (A) materials having a nominal value bearing the name, likeness, or other identification of a candidate, political party, political group, HB0043b -19- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G party district committee, or organization, or stating a position on a ballot proposition or question;
(2) does not include (A) materials having a nominal value bearing the name, likeness, or other identification of a candidate, political party, political group, party district committee, or organization, or stating a position on a ballot proposition or question;
[AND] (F) transportation of a voter to or from the polls without charge;
[AND] (F) transportation of a voter to or from the polls without HB 43 -12- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N charge;
42.
24.
43.
25.
AS 15.80 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
15.80.006.
Cybersecurity.
The director shall, by regulation, develop a cybersecurity program to defend the voter registration records kept by the division against cyber attacks and data breaches and enable the division to detect and recover from cyber attacks.
The program must include cybersecurity training for election officials.
CSHB 43(STA) -20- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G * Sec.
44.
AS 19.25.105(a) is amended to read:
(a) Outdoor advertising may not be erected or maintained within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate, primary, or secondary highways in this state except the following:
(1) directional and other official signs and notices that [WHICH] include [, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO,] signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historic attractions, which are required or authorized by law, and which shall conform to federal standards for interstate and primary systems;
(2) signs, displays, and devices advertising the sale or lease of property on [UPON] which they are located or advertising activities conducted on the property;
(3) signs determined by the state, subject to concurrence of the United States Department of Transportation, to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces of historic or artistic significance, the preservation of which would be consistent with the provisions of this chapter;
(4) directional signs and notices pertaining to schools;
(5) advertising on bus benches or bus shelters, and adjacent trash receptacles, if the state determines that the advertising conforms to local, state, and federal standards for interstate and primary highways;
(6) temporary political campaign signs not larger than 32 square feet in size displayed on private property if the owner or resident of the property is not being compensated for the display, the sign is not a risk to the public, and the sign is outside of an interstate, primary, or secondary highway right-of-way.
* Sec.
45.
AS 24.45.091 is amended to read:
Sec.
24.45.091.
Publication of reports.
Copies of the statements and reports filed under this chapter shall be made available to the public at the commission's offices [CENTRAL OFFICE], the office of the lieutenant governor, and the legislative reference library of the Legislative Affairs Agency [, AND AT THE COMMISSION'S DISTRICT OFFICES PRESCRIBED IN AS 15.13.020(j)] as soon as practicable after each reporting period.
* Sec.
46.
(c) The municipal clerk may act as an absentee voting official under HB0043b -21- CSHB 43(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\G AS 15.20.045(c) for the limited purpose of distributing absentee ballots to qualified voters or qualified voters' representatives under AS 15.20.072 in a municipality in which the division of elections will not be operating an early [ABSENTEE] voting station under AS 15.20.045(b).
(c) The municipal clerk may act as an absentee voting official under AS 15.20.045(c) for the limited purpose of distributing absentee ballots to qualified voters or qualified voters' representatives under AS 15.20.072 in a municipality in which the division of elections will not be operating an early [ABSENTEE] voting station under AS 15.20.045(b).
47.
26.
48.
27.
AS 39.50.020(b) is amended to read:
(b) A public official, [OR] former public official, or candidate for municipal office [OTHER THAN AN ELECTED OR APPOINTED MUNICIPAL OFFICER] shall file the statement with the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
Candidates for the office of governor and lieutenant governor and, if the candidate is not subject to AS 24.60, the legislature shall file the statement under AS 15.25.030.
The Alaska Public Offices Commission shall provide copies of the statemen st filed by municipal [MUNICIPAL] officers, former municipal officers, and candidates for elective municipal office to [SHALL FILE WITH] the applicable municipal clerk or other municipal official designated to receive the statements [THEIR FILING FOR OFFICE].
All statements required to be filed under this chapter are public records.
* Sec.
49.
50.
28.
41 of this Act, applies to offenses committed on or after the effective date of sec.
23 of this Act, applies to HB0043a -13- HB 43 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0231\N offenses committed on or after the effective date of sec.
41 of this Act.
23 of this Act.
51.
29.
CSHB 43(STA) -22- HB0043b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
HB 43 -14- HB0043a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
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How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends voter registration and election processes in Alaska, including changes to voter qualifications, residency determination, and registration timelines.

  • AS 15.05.010

    BEFORE THE ELECTION

    The requirement to register before an election is removed.

  • AS 15.05.020

    UPON

    The text clarifies the rules on residency determination for voting.

  • AS 15.05.020

    THE INTENTION → an articulable and reasonable plan

    It specifies that residence is determined by a plan to return rather than just the intention.

  • AS 15.05.020

    A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE IS MADE ONLY BY THE ACT OF REMOVAL JOINED WITH

    The bill removes the requirement that a change of residence must include an act of removal.

  • AS 15.07.060

    (g) The division shall provide an applicant the opportunity to designate, from among the written languages in which the division is required to print election materials under 52 U.S.C. 10503, as amended, the language in which the applicant prefers to receive ballots and other election materials printed for an election.

    New provisions are added allowing voters to choose the language for election materials.

  • AS 15.07.070(b)

    TO REGISTER BY MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE, SCANNING, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR UNDER AS 15.07.050

    The registration methods are clarified and updated to include electronic options.

  • AS 15.07.070(c)

    The name of a person submitting a completed registration form by mail or by facsimile or other electronic transmission that does not meet the applicable requirements of this subsection may not be placed on the official registration list for that election but shall be placed on the master register after that election.

    It clarifies the consequences of not meeting registration deadlines.

  • AS 15.07.070(d)

    EXCEPT THAT A PERSON REGISTERING

    It allows those registering within 30 days of an election to vote absentee.

  • AS 15.07.090(b)

    THE REREGISTRATION IS EFFECTIVE FOR

    It specifies that a person reregistering due to cancellation may only vote absentee until the next election.

Action History

  1. (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE

  2. (H) FN1: (GOV)

  3. (H) AM: STORY

  4. (H) DNP: VANCE, MCCABE, MOORE

  5. (H) DP: HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, CARRICK

  6. (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NEW TITLE 3DP 3DNP 1AM

  7. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  8. (H) Moved CSHB 43(STA) Out of Committee

  9. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  10. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  11. (H) Heard & Held

  12. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  13. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  14. (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to a Call of the Chair --

  15. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  16. (H) COSPONSOR(S): HIMSCHOOT

  17. (H) COSPONSOR(S): GALVIN

  18. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  19. (H) Heard & Held

  20. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  21. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  22. (H) Heard & Held

  23. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  24. (H) COSPONSOR(S): HOLLAND

  25. (H) COSPONSOR(S): BURKE

  26. (H) STA, FIN

  27. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  28. (H) Prefile released 1/17/25

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 5 co-sponsors · 59 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (5)

Not signed on (59)

59 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 59 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety elections
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 43?
HB 43 is sponsored by Rebecca Himschoot (N), Alyse Galvin (N), Ky Holland (N), Bryce Edgmon (N), Calvin Schrage (N), and Robyn Niayuq Burke (D).
What is the current status of HB 43?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 22, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 43?
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