Press Release

District Court Upholds Alaska's Campaign Finance Laws

November 8, 2016

(Anchorage, AK) – On November 7, 2016, the U.S. District Court in Alaska upheld Alaska’s campaign finance laws, finding that the State presented sufficient justification for the contribution limits.

“This is a great result for the State,” said Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth. “Alaska’s campaign finance limits were enacted to bolster the public’s trust in our elections process, while balancing the first amendment rights of individuals. The district court agreed that our state has struck the right balance.”

State law prohibits an individual from contributing more than $500 annually to a candidate or to a group that is not a political party, such as a PAC. State law also sets aggregate limits on the dollar amount a candidate can accept from non-residents and on the amount a political party may contribute to a candidate. Three individuals along with District 18 of the Alaska Republican Party challenged the limits on constitutional grounds. Judge Burgess held that all of these limits are constitutional.

CONTACT: Chief Assistant Attorney General Margaret Paton-Walsh at margaret.paton‑walsh@alaska.gov or (907) 269-5100.

• Court Opinion - PDF(95K)

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.