16/10/2026
Election Special Q&A
General election information
What's New:
In our last election, the Kenai Borough voted to change the date of the Borough election to coincide with the state election. Since then, 4 cities in the Borough, Homer, Kenai, Soldotna, and Seldovia, have also changed their dates to coincide with state elections. So, when you go to your polling station, depending on where you live (in a city), you will be voting in Federal, State, Borough, and city elections. Be prepared to spend a little more time voting, since you'll have multiple ballots.
What else you need to know
We advise checking your voter portal. https://myvoterportal.alaska.gov/ It shows your polling place and, if you voted absentee, when the Division of Elections sent your state ballot and when it was received. As we mentioned, when you vote on November 3rd, you will have two lines to receive and submit your ballots. It will take longer to vote. In some cases, you will have to sign next to your name in different precinct registers, depending on which elections you choose to vote in.
For the State and Federal election, we will be using ranked-choice voting. Make sure you are familiar with using RCV. https://www.elections.alaska.gov/election-information/
Additionally, this is the first time since 2014 that the Alaska Judicial Council recommends a NO vote to not retain judges. (Two judges earned a NO recommendation from the Council). Most voters aren't clear on how this works. Our state founders established a nonpartisan system for retaining judges. To learn about how the Alaska Judicial Council makes recommendations on retention, go tohttps://www.elections.alaska.gov/election/2026/General/OEPbooks/2026%20Alaska%20General%20VP_Region%201_ENG_web.pdf (p.108-109 in Region 1 Election Pamphlet)
Your State Election Pamphlet covers this information. Please read it so you are aware.
recommendation. https://www.elections.alaska.gov/publications/ (Homer is Region 1)
How can I get an absentee ballot?
Because these are separate elections, you must apply for an absentee ballot in two different places.
State of Alaska absentee ballot: https://absenteeballotapplication.alaska.gov/
Kenai Peninsula Borough absentee ballot: https://www.kpb.us/local-governance-and-permitting/voting-elections/absentee-voting-information
Other ways to vote absentee in the federal and state elections are listed in the voter guide on P10.https://www.elections.alaska.gov/election/2026/General/OEPbooks/2026%20Alaska%20General%20VP_Region%201_ENG_web.pdf
How do I return an absentee ballot?
If you are mailing your absentee ballot, here are some suggestions. You can drop it off in a mailbox, or we recommend taking it to the postal clerk at the counter. Tell them you want it hand-canceled, and confirm you have the correct postage. We recommend two stamps, but the clerk will know. Most absentee-voting mistakes involve a missing identifier or a missing witness signature. If you need a witness signature, contact KPV, and we will assist.
How do I do early voting in Homer?
Early voting is at Homer City Hall beginning on Tuesday, October 20th, and runs through Monday, November 2nd, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on weekends. When you vote early in Homer, be prepared to fill out ballots for each election. The City and Borough elections are on separate ballots. At City Hall, when you vote early in the State and Federal election, you vote the same way you do on Election Day. However, when you vote early in the Borough and City elections, you vote absentee in person, which means you must place your ballot in an envelope and drop it in a ballot box.
Be educated on what you will be voting on
Before you vote, make sure you have seen the sample ballot(s), and you've done your research. The election pamphlets have information about candidates, ballot measures, and judicial retention.
Official Election Pamphlet for the State of Alaska:https://www.elections.alaska.gov/election/2026/General/OEPbooks/2026%20Alaska%20General%20VP_Region%201_ENG_web.pdf
Official Election Pamphlet for Borough and City of Homer:https://www.kpb.us/images/KPB/CLK/Elections/260098%20KPBVotersPamphlet-FORWEBRevised.pdf Find Borough and City sample ballots in the Pamphlet on p.67-68.
Sample ballot for HD 6:https://www.elections.alaska.gov/election/2026/General/SampleBallots/HD6-JD3.pdf
Alaska Key Dates for the November 3rd Elections
Early voting at Homer City Hall starts Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
The application deadline for an absentee-by-mail ballot from the state is October 24th
The application deadline for absentee-by-mail ballots for the borough and the city is Oct. 27th
The application deadline for absentee ballots by electronic transmission for Borough, City, and State is November 2nd.
Election date and time
Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm
Absentee ballot return deadline: Postmarked by Tuesday, November 3rd
For questions: Contact: [email protected] ph: 907-299-2517
Alaska Division of Elections: [email protected] ph: (907) 465-3021
Kenai Peninsula Borough Elections: [email protected] ph.(907) 714-2160
Homer City Hall [email protected] ph: (907) 235-3130
