Alaska’s first experience with ranked choice boting has brought a more moderate state Legislature and congressional delegation.
The 17-member Senate coalition includes nine Democrats and eight Republicans who have pledged to work together. Hopefully, the House will follow suit.
As an Alaska Native descendant, I am particularly pleased with the election of Mary Peltola to the U.S. House. By eliminating closed primaries, RCV also provided Sen. Lisa Murkowski a way to win another term without having to launch another write-in campaign.
The political atmosphere in Alaska now appears to offer some hope that lawmakers can finally work across the aisle to solve some of the many problems facing the state.
Rodger Painter,
Douglas
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