““The state gives between 10 to 15 days for mailed ballots to be returned to the elections office (10 days if mailed within the US and 15 days from overseas).” — CNN, on why Alaska's Senate count could take two weeks, Oct. 31, 2026”
The claim: ““The state gives between 10 to 15 days for mailed ballots to be returned to the elections office (10 days if mailed within the US and 15 days from overseas).” — CNN, on why Alaska's Senate count could take two weeks, Oct. 31, 2026”
Why we rated it this way: Alaska law requires a mailed absentee ballot to be postmarked by Election Day and received by the close of business on the 10th day after the election, and gives ballots mailed from outside the United States until the 15th day after a general election. The Division of Elections' own general-election calendar lists the same 10-day and 15-day receipt deadlines. CNN's description of the window matches the statute.
See the evidenceWhat would change our rating: A change to Alaska's absentee receipt deadlines in law or by court order for the 2026 general election would move this toward Contradicted or Missing context.
Our read
Alaska law requires a mailed absentee ballot to be postmarked by Election Day and received by the close of business on the 10th day after the election, and gives ballots mailed from outside the United States until the 15th day after a general election. The Division of Elections' own general-election calendar lists the same 10-day and 15-day receipt deadlines. CNN's description of the window matches the statute.
Broadcast
Picture to come
Oct 31, 2026, 11:40 AM CDT
Sources
Script
Narration script. If a face or a voice delivers this, the anchor is synthetic.
Midday Check. CNN reports that Alaska gives mailed ballots ten days to arrive from inside the country and fifteen from overseas, one reason the Senate race could take two weeks to call. Alaska's election statute sets exactly those deadlines. Verdict: matches record.
Corrections
None on file.