Juneau Voters Pass Key Tax Measures

Preliminary unofficial results from the October 2026 local elections show strong voter support for a proposed seasonal sales tax and the extension of the existing 3% sales tax in Juneau. With approximately 95% of ballots counted—9,717 out of 27,768 eligible voters—several ballot measures and local office races were decided by significant margins.

Ballot Measures: Tax Extension and Seasonal Sales Tax

Juneau residents were asked to decide on three major propositions related to local taxation:

• Proposition A: The extension of the current 3% sales tax for an additional five years passed with a commanding 79.9% support, indicating widespread approval among juneau voters for the tax extension.
• Proposition B: A proposal to increase the mill rate from 9 to 12 was rejected, with 52.79% voting against the increase. The mill rate will therefore remain unchanged.
• Proposition C: The introduction of a 1% seasonal sales tax, effective annually from April 1 to September 30, was approved by 56.9% of voters. This seasonal sales tax adds to the city’s revenue during peak months.

These results highlight voter tendencies to favor sales tax adjustments while choosing to keep property tax rates stable.

Assembly Seats: Election Results

In addition to the tax approval measures, voters elected representatives to multiple assembly seats:

• Areawide Assembly Seat: Incumbent Paul Roy Kelly secured re-election with 61.79% of the vote. Challengers Brad Sapp and James J. McCants received 32.47% and 5.74% respectively.
• Assembly District 2 Seat: Joyce M. Niven led with 32.79%, followed by Malachi Thorington with 26.1%, Karla Hart with 23.82%, and David Lee Morris with 17.28%.
• Assembly District 1 Seat: Mila Cosgrove ran unopposed and retained the seat.

Board of Education: Results for Two Seats

Voters also filled two seats on the Juneau Board of Education. Incumbent David Noon led with 40.03% of the vote, followed by fellow incumbent Britteny Cioni-Haywood with 36.22%. Christine Johnson garnered 23.74% of ballots cast for the board of education seats.

Certification and Next Steps

The Canvass Review Board will meet from October 19 to 20 to review and certify the election results. Final, official results for all ballot measures and officer races will be posted once certification is complete on October 20.

Summary of Ballot Measures and Election Outcomes

Juneau’s 2026 local elections featured decisions on a sales tax extension, a new seasonal sales tax, and the stability of the local mill rate. With substantial participation from juneau voters, the community expressed its preferences on tax policy and local governance, affecting both the city’s finances and leadership for the next several years.

Source: juneauempire.com.