A U.S. District Judge has rejected an effort by the Trump administration to prevent certification of results from a competitive Senate race in Alaska, finding that the federal government lacks the legal authority to bring such a case.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Justice Department, sought to halt state officials from certifying election results pending an investigation into potential voter confusion stemming from two similarly named candidates appearing on Alaska’s ranked-choice ballot. Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and non-affiliated candidate Daniel Sullivan Jr. both appear on the ballot. Judge Sharon Gleason concluded that granting the requested relief would likely violate Alaska voters’ right to a secret ballot and noted the absence of explanation from the federal government regarding how it could achieve its stated objectives while maintaining ballot secrecy.
The Justice Department indicated it plans to appeal the decision. A spokesperson stated that “Alaskan voters deserve a fair election, not to be misled in an attempt to rig outcomes.” Voting rights groups opposing the lawsuit celebrated the ruling, with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project director characterizing it as preventing a lawless attempt to overturn election results.
The Senate race has been marked by allegations that Democratic operatives recruited Sullivan Jr. as a candidate to split the vote against the Republican incumbent, though Democratic nominee Mary Peltola has denied involvement. Alaska’s Republican Governor has ordered an investigation and suggested state certification could be affected by its outcome. A criminal probe by the Justice Department is reportedly ongoing, according to statements from a U.S. Attorney.
Despite the legal maneuvering, voting has proceeded in Alaska, with over 86,700 early votes cast as of the reporting date, with Election Day remaining on Tuesday.
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