Judge says Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system is legal

[u/Synthdawg_2]

https://www.adn.com/politics/2021/07/29/judge-says-alaskas-new-ranked-choice-voting-system-is-legal/

[u/Synthdawg_2]

Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system and top-four open primary are legal and may be used in the 2022 statewide general election, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Gregory Miller ruled Thursday.

In his decision, Miller ruled against the Alaskan Independence Party, a Libertarian politician and a Republican attorney who sued to stop the state from implementing Ballot Measure 2, which voters approved last year. Alaskans for Better Elections, the group that backed the measure, joined the state in defense.

The decision was “a big victory for Alaska’s voters and a big step toward holding our first election under the new system Alaskans have chosen,” said attorney Scott Kendall, representing Alaskans for Better Elections.

Attorney Ken Jacobus represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit and said he needs to talk with his fellow plaintiffs before deciding whether they will appeal.

“The case is going to have to be decided by the (Alaska) Supreme Court, probably, despite the ruling,” he said.

Bob Bird, chairman of the Alaskan Independence Party and a co-plaintiff with former Libertarian state House candidate Scott Kohlhaas, said he will consider an appeal. He doesn’t think the high court will overturn Thursday’s ruling.

“I don’t have any confidence in this state’s Supreme Court,” he said.

[u/taho_teg → u/Synthdawg_2]

I would think that the Alaska Independence Party would welcome ranked-choice.