Alaska Democratic Party v. Dahlstrom - Hearing on Preliminary Injunction

The Alaska Division of Elections filed this opposition to a motion for a preliminary injunction brought by the Alaska Democratic Party. The Party sought to force the Division to ensure absentee in-person voting was available in 18 specific 'Affected Communities' on the Monday before the 2026 general election. The Division argues that the request is moot, as it has already taken all practical steps to staff these locations, and that the Party's late filing constitutes laches, as it leaves no time for meaningful implementation. Of the 18 communities identified by the Party, the Division confirmed that 13 were prepared to open as scheduled on Monday, November 2, 2026. The remaining five locations—Alakanuk, Chignik Bay, Goodnews Bay, Holy Cross, and Kongiganak—could not secure an available absentee voting official for that day. The Division maintains that designating these officials is a discretionary act and that it cannot guarantee their performance or force them to work. The Division further contends that there is no constitutional right to vote absentee in-person, and that voters in these communities have alternative methods to cast their ballots, including voting in-person on election day or requesting an absentee ballot by electronic transmission. The Division argues that granting the injunction would divert critical resources on the eve of the election, potentially harming statewide election administration.