The following is a brief overview of the ballot initiative process in Alaska. Please visit the Alaska Constitution for further information about statues, requirements, and restrictions.

Residents of Alaska have the right to propose legislation through the initiative process and utilize the referendum in response to acts of the legislature.

Get your Ballot Initiative Started

You will need three people to make up your Initiative Committee. This committee will then serve as the point of contact for the initiative. The application consists of four parts; 100 valid sponsors, the bill, the contact information for the Committee, and a $100 deposit. 

You’ll need to file the application with the lieutenant governor. He or she will then deny or certify the initiative within 60 days.

For detailed information for your application reference Alaska Statutes 15.45.010 through 15.45.245.

The Petition

Once certified the committee will have 365 days to collect the necessary signatures of qualified residents. You will need to use the petition booklets provided by the Division of Elections to collect the signatures. Make sure your petition meets all the required guidelines. 

You will need to file the elections with the Division of Elections to be verified. The committee will be notified within 60 days. 

Getting on the Ballot in Alaska

Within 60 days of filing the lieutenant governor will notify the committee if your initiative has been properly filed and is ready for the ballot. The bill should appear on the ballot in the next general, primary, or special election; whichever comes first after 120 days since the adjournment of the legislative session.

When you’re ready to file your ballot initiative in Alaska, contact us and let’s get started.