Alaska and Teton County Launch August Primary Voting Cycles

Election authorities in two U.S. jurisdictions have detailed the procedures for primary elections scheduled for August 18. In Teton County, Wyoming, early voting began on July 22 at the Teton County Administration Building. Voters can cast ballots in person or use secure drop boxes through August 17. The primary includes races for Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, and local offices such as the County Sheriff and Jackson Town Council.

In Alaska, the Alaska Division of Elections announced that early voting will start August 3, with a deadline of August 8 for absentee ballot requests. The state utilizes a top-four primary format where the four leading candidates advance to the general election, at which point ranked-choice voting is applied.

Alaska official Steve Kirch noted that candidates who suspend their campaigns, such as Matt Schultz, remain on the ballot and can still advance to the general election if they receive enough votes. He explained that candidates may change their minds about continuing a campaign after seeing primary results.