AK SB161

Amends Alaska Statutes 15.80.010(27) to redefine "political party" as an organized group of voters representing a political program with at least 5,000 registered voters in the state.

Replaces the previous definition that based political party status on three percent of votes cast for governor, U.S. senator, or U.S. representative in the preceding general election.

Establishes automatic adjustment of the 5,000-voter threshold following each decennial federal census beginning with 2030 results, with adjustments based on percentage of state population change since 2020 census and rounded to nearest 500.

Eliminates the prior provisions allowing alternative eligibility criteria based on which federal offices appeared on the preceding general election ballot.

Effective date: January 1, 2023.