Alaskans are still awaiting the full results of their midterm elections, including a close Senate race, with officials expecting to count all eligible ballots by 18 November. The contest is between incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and his Democratic challenger, former congresswoman Mary Peltola.
The delay in vote counting is attributed to the logistical challenges of transporting ballots across Alaska, a state primarily connected by water and air rather than roads. Regional airlines like Alaska Seaplanes have been carrying ballots as part of this process.
Additionally, there is a delay waiting for mail ballots to arrive, which are allowed up to 10 days later, or 15 days for overseas voters, if postmarked by election day. Election officials have opted for accuracy over a rapid reporting of results.
All ballots eventually reach the state capital of Juneau for scanning and counting. Once all ballots are reviewed, if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, ranked-choice voting will be used to re-allocate votes.