Alaska will try something completely new in the fall election

The new election system approved by Alaska voters in 2020 will get an unexpected first test this summer with a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Congressman Don Young, Alaska’s sole member in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Alaskans will pick a temporary replacement for Young using a top-four special primary election and a special ranked-choice general election. The prospect is adding a historic extra dimension to what was already expected to be a major year in Alaska politics.

Alaska hasn’t had a statewide special election since 2007, and it hasn’t had a special election for a Congressional seat since 1973. Young won that election and served in the House until his death.