Support for Ballot Measure 1

After careful and extensive study, the League of Women Voters of Alaska develops positions on issues. As a nonpartisan organization, however, it doesn’t support or oppose political candidates or parties.  

In the Aug. 18 primary election the League supports Ballot Measure 1 which places limits on campaign contributions in state and local elections. Ending unlimited individual and group contributions in these elections would allow candidates to campaign more equitably for public office and reduce the risk of large donors and interest groups holding undue influence over those elected.

In 2006, 73% of Alaska’s voters approved contribution limits; however, in 2021 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that those limits not only were too low, but that they didn’t allow for an inflation adjustment.

Since that ruling, individuals and groups have been able to make unlimited contributions to candidates and groups, leveraging the possibility of an unfairly biased outcome. 

Passage of Ballot Measure 1 would set a ceiling on donations to in-state candidates, and based on consumer inflation rates, would adjust that level every 10 years.  Additionally, Ballot Measure 1 would shift campaign limits to follow an election cycle rather than the current annual cycle, which not only makes sense, but would remove a possible advantage to incumbents.

To protect the integrity of our elections, and to help ensure that each of us has a meaningful voice in choosing who represents us, the League of Women Voters urges your support for Ballot Measure 1 on the Aug. 18 primary ballot.

Sally Smith, vice president

Juneau League of Women Voters