Alaska Votes on Ending Ranked-Choice Ballot as Peltola, Palin Shape the Debate

Alaska voters are set to decide Tuesday whether to scrap the state's ranked-choice ballot, a system described as unique to Alaska. The vote comes alongside hotly contested races for U.S. Senate and governor. The New York Times reported that the campaign of Mary Peltola may have bolstered critics of the system. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is attacking the system, accusing political insiders of manipulating elections and protecting establishment politicians. Newsmax reported that she says the election is rigged.

The New York Times, on the left, headlines its piece with a question about whether the Peltola campaign sealed the fate of the ranked-choice vote. It places the repeal decision in the context of the Senate and governor's races and centers on Peltola's campaign and how it may have strengthened critics, an analytical, campaign-focused frame. Its excerpt quotes no one and does not mention Palin. Newsmax, on the right, leads with Palin, and its headline says she slams the system and calls the election rigged. Its text describes a blistering attack built on allegations that insiders manipulate elections to shield establishment politicians. Its excerpt does not mention Peltola or the other races. Both outlets treat ranked-choice voting as under scrutiny, but the Times focuses on a candidate's campaign and what it means for the vote, while Newsmax focuses on one prominent critic's accusations of manipulation. Alternative and independent outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while left- and right-leaning outlets had.