Alaska questioned ballots count only after bipartisan review

Ballots cast by Alaskans not on the precinct register during the Aug. 18 primary count only if a bipartisan review board confirms the voter was qualified, according to Alaska Division of Elections guidance.

Poll workers direct voters to a questioned ballot when a name is missing from the register, a registration needs updating, or the voter lacks identification. The ballot matches a regular one, but it is not scanned or counted on Election Day.

On the envelope, the voter attests to being 18 or older and a U.S. citizen. The voter lists a first and last name, address, date of birth and at least one identifier, such as a Social Security number, Alaska State ID or driver's license, then signs an oath under penalty of perjury. The Questioned Ballot Review Board later examines the envelopes, rejecting unqualified ballots and counting eligible ones. An unregistered person may cast a questioned ballot, but it will not count unless registration is verified.

The League of Women Voters of Alaska and co-plaintiffs argue the review process can delay or suppress votes when registrations are inactive or records are not verified in time.