Alaska, typically a red state, will have three Electoral College votes contributing to the presidential race. The presidential election winner must earn 270 Electoral College votes to assume office. Early voting in Alaska started on Oct. 21, and polls for in-person voting will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
On the line is control of both legislative chambers, which can have a significant impact on the types of bills that become law and how the Legislature works with Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
GOP challenger Nick Begich led in first round of the state’s unusual ranked choice balloting, but was unable to get a majority, meaning another tabulation will be required.
Trump backers in Juneau — some who acknowledge they’re outnumbered locally and say they risk being ostracized, or worse, by being open about their support — say among their hopes during his second term are better economic opportunities in industries such as mining and fewer government restrictions that impede much-needed development.
Begich, an entrepreneur who lives in Chugiak, is a Republican from a prominent Democratic family. If his lead holds, he’ll win the seat once held by his grandfather. Congressman Nick Begich, D-Alaska, was campaigning for reelection in 1972 when his chartered plane disappeared enroute to Juneau.