SB 31 - Counting of Write-in Votes

• Amends AS 15.15.360 to establish rules for counting write-in votes, including allowing votes for candidates whose names appear on the ballot if not marked for identification purposes.

• Requires voters to write the candidate's name in the provided space and fill in the corresponding oval; permits counting if the full name or last name matches the write-in declaration of candidacy.

• For governor and lieutenant governor write-in votes, allows counting if both names, both last names, or just the governor's name (full or last) is written in the space provided.

• Creates AS 15.15.365 limiting when write-in votes are counted in general elections to only when the aggregate write-in votes for a specific office are either the highest votes received or the second highest with a vote margin less than the state recount threshold under AS 15.20.450.

• Requires write-in ballots to be counted publicly by the election director or designee at the location where write-in ballots are sent for counting; excludes federal write-in absentee ballots from these requirements.

• Repeals previous provisions in AS 15.15.360(a)(9)-(12) relating to write-in vote counting.