By THE ALASKA STORY
May 3, 2026 – The Alaska Federation of Natives has launched a public push urging lawmakers to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 64, the election system bill that is facing an override vote on Monday in the Alaska Legislature.
In a statement released ahead of the override vote, AFN described SB 64 as a “critical measure” designed to strengthen Alaska’s election system and expand voter access. The group is encouraging Alaskans to contact their legislators and advocate for an override, framing the bill as a way to ensure ballots are counted and voting barriers are reduced.
The group says: “You can find and contact your legislators through the Alaska State Legislature website. When reaching out, consider sharing the following points:
- Every eligible voter deserves to have their ballot counted
- No Alaskan should lose their vote over a missing witness signature or minor clerical error
- Rural and Alaska Native communities deserve equal access to the ballot
- Stronger oversight and transparency make our elections stronger for everyone
All of these are tantamount to propaganda for a bill that has numerous technical flaws, with some provisions that are likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court.
Suzanne Downing: Five fatal flaws in Senate Bill 64 and why Alaskans demand a veto
The groups says “Alaskans may also contact their local Legislative Information Office (LIO) for assistance in reaching elected officials.
“This is about whether Alaska chooses a voting system that works for all of us,” said Ben Mallott, president of AFN, in the organization’s release.
Senate Bill 64 has become one of the most contentious issues of the legislative session. Supporters, including AFN say that it modernizes election procedures and improves access, particularly in rural and Alaska Native communities.
Opponents, including the governor and most Republican lawmakers, have raised concerns about the scope and timing of the changes. The bill introduces significant procedural shifts too close to upcoming elections and could strain the Division of Elections’ ability to implement them effectively. The division has said it cannot meet the timeline.
AFN’s call to action represents one of the most organized public efforts to influence the override vote. The group is mobilizing supporters statewide, encouraging direct outreach to legislators and legislative offices.
The override vote is expected to hinge on a small number of legislators, particularly Republicans who must decide whether to support the governor’s veto or join a bipartisan coalition to override it.
Because Alaska requires a two-thirds majority to override a veto, even a handful of crossover votes could determine the outcome. The decision will shape not only election procedures for 2026 but also the broader political dynamics between the governor and the Legislature.
A handful of Republican legislators have signaled they intend to override the Republican governor.
One thought on “AFN puts out call to action to override the governor’s veto on Senate Bill 64”
I’m putting out a call to action for all White Alaskans to support Dunleavy’s veto of SB64. These native organizations are turmoiled racist clubs who seek as much money and land as they can get, usually at the expense of White people. The most selfish groups in Alaska are of Native blood.