190 IQ needed? Trump claims Alaska voters can’t read ballot as DOJ targets state Senate race

A dispute over candidate names

The New York Times reported that Peltola’s campaign allegedly helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan to run against Republican Senator Daniel S. Sullivan, potentially confusing voters and drawing support away from the incumbent. Peltola and her campaign deny taking part, while Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, says he entered the contest voluntarily. Trump said most Alaska voters do not know the meaning of “incumbent.” He also described the alleged effort as voter fraud and compared it to claims about the 2020 election.

Federal action and state response

The Department of Justice has sued to prevent certification if the incumbent loses by a margin attributed to voter confusion. Federal prosecutors have also opened a criminal investigation, and Trump has repeatedly called for Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan to face prosecution.

A court filing argues that Alaska law, as interpreted by the state Supreme Court, placed Daniel J. Sullivan on the ballot months ago. It also says state officials designed the ballot to reduce confusion and asks the court to dismiss the lawsuit and allow the election process to proceed without federal interference.

Peltola rejects the accusation

Peltola told supporters she was deeply offended by claims that she had any involvement in another person’s candidacy. Her campaign’s denial contrasts with the allegation reported by The New York Times; Daniel J. Sullivan has said he ran of his own accord.

Administration actions elsewhere

The Trump administration has also asked California to set aside about 20,000 ballots it alleges may have been cast by non-citizens. A federal district judge and a panel of appeals court judges rejected that request.