Recommended: @ryan_dane @RSI evaluation of how Alaska's new electoral system (universal primary from which four candidates advance, general election using #RCV) worked in its trial run last year. Summary: it worked well. /1 rstreet.org/wp-content/upl…
@ryan_dane @RSI "A review of initial evidence found that races in the state became more civil and competitive overall, and, despite it being a major change in process, the top-four approach caused little disruption in the composition of government." /2
Of note, fewer races were effectively decided in low-turnout party primaries in which only 10-20 percent of a district's voters might participate. "Compared with the previous five election cycles, 2022 marks the highest level of competition for Alaska state legislative seats."/3
Relatedly, fewer candidates ran uncontested. Although electoral competitiveness increased -- "60 percent of Alaskans reported that the 2022 elections were more competitive than other recent elections." -- incumbent officials and parties still fared quite well. /4
Contrary to wild claims of a "scam to rig elections" in Democrats' favor, "Alaskan Republicans generally fared well with the top-four approach....The evidence shows that Republicans saw no change in their ability to translate their support into seats in the state legislature." /5
While Republicans in Alaska had one of their best statehouse showings in years, there are some indication that Final Four may have worked to the advantage of candidates with centrist or crossover appeal, as opposed to favorites of the party base. /6
"Importantly, Alaskans viewed the process favorably, largely describing it as 'simple' despite some arguments to the contrary. In the face of efforts to repeal the system, a successful top-four election represents a huge win for the Last Frontier voters." /7, end
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