Ky Holland, August 7th, 2026 Updated August 16

Last week, I led my colleagues in authoring a bipartisan letter to the Division of Elections after thousands of registered voters received notices stating that their records had been designated as “inactive non-citizen.” We heard from many constituents who were understandably alarmed, particularly because they are U.S. citizens and believed they had somehow lost their right to vote.

This week, the Division responded. Most importantly, it announced that it will send a follow-up letter to everyone who has not yet responded to the original notice. That letter will make clear that eligible U.S. citizens remain fully eligible to vote, that no documentary proof of citizenship is required, and that recipients may vote by absentee ballot or by questioned ballot if necessary. It will also include election information for the upcoming primary.

I appreciate the Division taking this step. One of the primary concerns raised in our letter was that the original notice did not clearly reassure eligible citizens that they could still participate in the election. Clear communication is essential, particularly this close to Election Day, and I’m pleased the Division has agreed to provide additional guidance to affected voters.

The Division also explained that voters who receive one of these notices can simply contact the Division by phone, email, or mail and affirm that they are U.S. citizens. While we have heard from constituents that reaching the office has been a challenge, we understand that many voters have been reinstated. The Division reported that of the 3,058 voters moved to inactive status based on the DMV records, 100 had contacted the office confirming they were not citizens, and 685 have contacted the office to confirm they ARE citizens. The Division maintains that those qualified citizens who have contacted the office will immediately be restored to active status. Those who have not yet contacted the Division remain eligible to vote by absentee or questioned ballot if they attest that they are U.S. citizens. As noted above, those who vote a questioned ballot and certify on the ballot that they are eligible U.S. citizens will be reinstated to the active roll.

If you received one of these notices and you are a U.S. citizen, please don’t stay home because of it. Sign and return the notice—or contact the Division of Elections directly—as soon as possible. If your registration has not yet been returned to active status when you vote, you may be asked to cast a questioned ballot and sign a statement swearing you are a US citizen. A questioned ballot is reviewed after election officials verify your eligibility, and once that verification is complete, it is counted just like any other ballot.

While I am encouraged by the Division’s response, I will continue following this issue closely. Every eligible Alaskan deserves to know that they can vote with confidence, and every eligible vote deserves to be counted.

Ky

Additional information from the House Majority:

Voting in a community outside your home precinct? Moved recently, or don’t see your name on the register? In Alaska, no eligible voter should be turned away. You have the right to vote a questioned ballot.

Quick facts for Election Day:

📍 Check your precinct: Scan the QR code in the graphic to locate your official polling place or follow the link below:

📄 Know the process: If your ballot is rejected, election officials must mail you a written notice explaining why.

📞 Track your vote: Want to verify if your ballot was counted before receiving mail? Call 1-888-465-4857 starting 15 days after the election.

Save this image or share it with a neighbor so everyone is prepared to vote on Election Day!

akleg

🔗 Find your correct precinct online: https://akelections.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=579890d66c7e40ae9f7cc227d76669b1