By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Alaskans across the state will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for a wide-ranging election spanning federal, state, and local contests, along with critical propositions that could impact taxes, local service areas, and governance in their communities. From the bustling streets of Anchorage to the quieter neighborhoods of the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough (Mat‑Su), voters face decisions that will shape both statewide policy and local infrastructure for years to come.
Statewide and Local Races
While no major statewide executive or legislative races are scheduled for 2025, voters will participate in a variety of local elections and borough-level contests. In Mat‑Su, this includes:
- Assembly Seats: Districts 1, 2, and 4 (one-year terms ending November 2026)
- School Board Seats: Districts 2, 5, and 7 (three-year terms ending 2028)
Alaska’s election system continues to feature ranked-choice voting for general elections and a nonpartisan top-four primary for eligible offices, allowing voters broader choice while ensuring competitive races.
Ballot Propositions in Mat‑Su
The November ballot in Mat‑Su includes four key propositions that may affect taxation, services, and property governance. Voters should carefully review the implications of each proposition.
| Proposition | Summary | If you vote YES | If you vote NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prop No. 1 – Prorated Senior & Disabled Veteran Residential Property Tax Exemption | Adjusts the current property tax exemption for seniors and disabled veterans so that new qualifying property owners during the year can receive a prorated exemption for the remainder of that year. | Seniors/disabled veterans acquiring new property in the year would receive partial tax exemption immediately. | Current rules remain; new qualifying property owners must wait until the following January 1 for exemption. |
| Prop No. 2 – Advisory Vote on Motor Fuel Excise Tax | Advisory question on whether the Borough should adopt a 7¢ per gallon motor fuel tax for 1.5 years to offset property taxes and fund roads. Heating, aviation, and marine fuels are exempt. | Expresses voter support for the proposed motor fuel tax to reduce property taxes and improve road maintenance. | Expresses opposition; the Assembly would be advised not to adopt the tax. |
| Prop No. 3 – Annexation of Parcels Into Meadow Lakes Road Service Area No. 27 (Existing Service Area Residents) | For current service area residents: asks whether identified parcels should be annexed into the service area, starting July 1, 2026, without additional cost for the first year. | Approve adding the identified parcels into RSA 27, under the stated conditions. | Oppose the annexation; the service area remains as currently defined. |
| Prop No. 4 – Annexation of Parcels Into Meadow Lakes Road Service Area No. 27 (Parcels to Be Annexed) | For residents of the parcels proposed for annexation: asks whether they should join RSA 27, with anticipated costs not exceeding 2.714 mills (~$271.40 per $100,000 assessed value) in the first year. | Approve annexation, accepting the estimated cost and receiving RSA 27 services starting July 1, 2026. | Oppose joining RSA 27; parcels remain outside the service area. |
Key Note: For annexation to proceed (Props 3 & 4), both the existing service area and the proposed parcels must approve their respective measures.
Voting Process and Deadlines
Alaska allows in-person, early, and absentee voting:
- Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov 4, 2025, and received within three days to be counted.
- In-person voting is available at designated polling locations on Election Day or during early voting periods.
- Voter registration and address confirmation are critical: residents can verify their information through the Alaska My Voter Portal: https://myvoterportal.alaska.gov
Voters should review their sample ballot to ensure they are informed about the contests and propositions appearing in their precinct. Sample ballots and election brochures are available online: Mat‑Su Borough Sample Ballots PDF.
Why This Election Matters
Even without high-profile statewide executive contests, this election carries significant weight:
- Decisions on local assemblies and school boards will determine budgets, governance, and local priorities for the next year or three years.
- Ballot propositions affect tax exemptions, road funding, and infrastructure, directly impacting residents’ day-to-day lives.
- Advisory votes like Prop 2 provide critical voter guidance to the Borough Assembly, influencing policy decisions and fiscal planning.
Every Alaskan voter, from Anchorage to Mat‑Su and beyond, has the opportunity to shape their community’s governance and services, making participation in this election vital.
