Judge dismisses Alaska Senate election lawsuit; DOJ vows appeal

Democratic nominee Mary Peltola is facing two candidates named Dan Sullivan in the Alaska Senate election, one of whom is the Republican incumbent.

Judge dismisses Alaska Senate election lawsuit; DOJ vows appeal

TL;DR

  • A federal judge dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit to delay Alaska Senate election certification.
  • The lawsuit cited potential voter confusion from two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
  • The judge ruled the DOJ lacked legal standing and that altering election rules on the eve of voting is problematic.
  • The DOJ announced its intention to appeal the decision to the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
  • The election features incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and Democratic nominee Mary Peltola in a close race determined by ranked-choice voting.
  • Alaska election officials have taken steps to differentiate the candidates on the ballot.
  • President Trump claimed the lawsuit was necessary due to voter fraud and alleged Democratic recruitment of the second Sullivan.