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Your Food Your Vote 2026: Learn About Your Candidates!

October 2, 2026

The Alaska Food Policy Council and our AK Food Vote partners sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for office in Alaska. We asked them seven questions about where they stand on food insecurity, school food, the role of government in Alaska’s food systems, and more. And the results are in – we have posted all responses we’ve received so far to our website.

2026 AK Candidate Survey Responses

Candidate responses are divided by race (e.g., gubernatorial; State House) and then by district for Alaska legislative races. AFPC does not support, oppose, or endorse any candidate. What you’ll see on the website is exactly what candidates shared with us, in full and without editorial comment. We haven’t received responses from every candidate yet, but we’ll continue to post responses as they come in.

Candidates shared different positions in many areas, such as to what extent the State should play a role in Alaska’s food systems. However, there were some common themes that many mentioned – such as the high and rising cost of groceries, the extent of food insecurity, and the fragility of Alaska’s supply chain. 

It’s not all bad, though. We also asked candidates about bright spots, and they shared about helping out at food pantries, about nonprofits and local communities stepping up to help their neighbors, about positive legislation, and about their ideas for strengthening Alaska’s food systems should they be elected.

The biggest theme we saw, though, is that food issues are top of mind for candidates. From SNAP delays to fisheries management to food and fuel prices, candidates shared what their priorities will be if elected and what voters can expect from them. As their responses show, candidates elected to office will have tremendous power to shape the future of Alaska’s food systems.

Finally, don’t miss reading to the end of your candidates’ responses. Just for fun, we asked them to share what their favorite local food is. We got back a delightful menu of answers – from caribou soup to fresh oysters to Alaska-grown carrots to Alaskan salmon – showing just how diverse and delicious the food we grow, forage, and catch here in Alaska is!

Election Timeline

The deadline to register to vote in the November General Election is this Sunday, October 4, 2026. 

The AK Food Vote candidate survey confirmed what we know: in Alaska, the food vote matters. Our candidates understand how big a priority strong food systems are. This is not a single or partisan issue – everybody needs to eat, and voters have the power to strengthen Alaska’s food systems by going to the polls. Now is the time to make sure you’re registered, request an absentee ballot if you’ll need one, and make a plan to vote.

Key dates and deadlines:

Check out our full timeline on AK Food Vote.

  • October 4, 2026: Deadline to register to vote or update your voter information.
  • October 19, 2026: Early voting begins.
  • October 24, 2026: Recommended deadline to request an absentee ballot (the Alaska Division of Elections recommends at least 10 days before the election to allow enough time for delivery).
  • November 2, 2026: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election.
  • November 3. 2026: General Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • November 25, 2026: Target date to certify the General Election results.

Don’t see candidate responses from your district on the website yet? You can help us by reaching out to your candidates and asking them to fill out the AK Food Vote Candidate Questionnaire from the Alaska Food Policy Council! Their emails are all listed on this webpage, and feel free to contact vote@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org with any questions or to get more involved.

Next steps – Make a plan to vote!

The General Election may not be until November 3, but now is the time to make sure you’re registered and request an absentee ballot if you’ll need one.

Finally, keep an eye out for more resources and information from us on akfoodvote.org, on AFPC social media, and via our AK Food Vote partners!