DOJ Seeks to Halt Alaska Senate Election Certification Over Alleged Vote‑Splitting Scheme
The Department of Justice asked a federal judge on Oct. 30 to block Alaska from certifying its Senate election if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses to Democrat Mary Peltola, saying votes for another candidate named Dan Sullivan could alter the outcome.
Residents are already voting early in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, and the Senate currently shows 53 Republican seats and 47 Democratic or independent seats.
The DOJ argues that retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan entered the race “to confuse voters” and that his sole purpose is to benefit the Peltola campaign by siphoning votes from Senator Sullivan.
On Oct. 29 the DOJ amended its complaint to include details from a Oct. 28 New York Times report that said Peltola aides allegedly coordinated with DSCC staff on a “Ballot Composition Project” to recruit candidates who could draw votes away from the incumbent.
Peltola’s campaign, the DSCC and Daniel J. Sullivan have all denied any wrongdoing.
In its filing, the DOJ contends that a preliminary injunction is necessary because “monetary damages cannot compensate Alaskans duped into voting for Daniel J. Sullivan.”
“When voters are unable to fairly cast ballots in federal elections, the United States suffers irreparable harm,” the department said.
The case is developing and will be updated.
