<p>Since the emergence of Trumpism, a host of civil society actors have converged in defense of democracy, championing rank choice voting (RCV) as a necessary electoral reform. RCV is shown to lessen partisan animosity and increase voter representation, though researchers have struggled to account for its impact on political culture. This paper asks if RCV enhances civility in governance through study of Alaska, the second state to implement RCV reforms. Drawing on original interviews with elected officials during the first post-RCV Alaskan legislative session, the study finds RCV expanded a vital center in governance but also sparked a backlash movement to repeal the reforms. Framing the reforms and the repeal movement as occurring within frontlash/backlash, this paper offers a dynamic account of the fraught and contentious nature of electoral reform. The analysis demonstrates that despite efforts to transcend hyperpartisanship, Alaskan RCV has been dogged by partisan framing in turn drawing new scrutiny to the electoral system. The findings of this study point to broader risks—the polarization of democratic institutions and the ascendance of constitutional politics. The fragile yet pivotal role of the vital center as a source of social solidarity and deference to shared democratic norms is advanced.</p>