Democrat and Undeclared voters are outpacing Alaska Republicans in requesting absentee ballots for the upcoming statewide primary and general election contests.

According to the most recent data from the State Division of Elections, Republicans are about 2,500 behind their Democratic counterparts in absentee requests. This is despite having 62,000 more registered Republican voters overall in Alaska.

Here are the numbers:

• Republicans: 139,821 registered voters (7,904 absentee requests)
• Democrats: 76,779 registered voters (10,485 absentee requests)
• Independent: 17,111 registered voters (867 absentee requests)
• Nonpartisan: 82,255 registered voters (7,430 absentee requests)
• Undeclared: 261,619 registered voters (9,769 absentee requests)
• Alaska Libertarian Party: 7,082 registered voters (143 absentee requests)

The Alaska GOP is keenly aware of the gap in absentee requests and a recent email urged Republicans to apply for their absentee ballots.

Any Alaskans can request an absentee ballot for any reason. The deadline is Aug. 8, and the primary election will be held on Aug. 18.

HOW TO REQUEST ABSENTEE BALLOTS

• Click here to request an absentee ballot.
• When you fill out the Absentee Ballot Application make sure to select “All in Calendar Year” to make sure you request an absentee ballot for both the primary and general election.

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