Juneau -- For the first time in state history, Alaskans will be guaranteed that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected by a majority of the people. Senate Joint Resolution 40, sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Senate Sunday and will place the issue on the November, 2000 ballot.

"SJR 40 will establish the future of statewide elections and create a sense of representation to all Alaskans, as the individual holding the seat will be there with a clear majority of the votes," said Senator Robin Taylor (R-Wrangell), Chair of the Judiciary Committee. "There are at least five political parties on the ballot in races ranging from Alaska's lone Congressional seat to the Governor/Lieutenant Governor race. While these parties and their candidates represent the true diversity of the Alaska, they could also leave the winner of a race without a clear majority vote."

In the last Gubernatorial general election, 49% of the vote was split between four candidates. Prior to that, the last Governor to be elected by a majority was Bill Egan in 1970. SJR 40 will correct this by allowing the people of Alaska to decide if they want the opportunity to elect statewide candidates with a majority vote.

The resolution does not mandate how a majority vote will be reached. Currently there are a number of different ideas on how that should be accomplished. If passed, SJR 40 requires the next Legislature to put a plan in place prior to the 2002 general election.

A notice of reconsideration was given.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

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