Alaska judge tosses DOJ lawsuit seeking delay of Senate race certification over voter secrecy concerns
Judge rejects certification challenge
A federal judge in Alaska threw out the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to prevent certification of the state’s Senate election results if Sen. Dan Sullivan, the Republican incumbent, loses in this week’s midterm elections.
The Justice Department claimed Daniel J. Sullivan’s appearance on the ballot could divert voters and benefit Mary Peltola, the Democrat running in the race. Judge Gleason said the government had not shown that a court order could address the harm it alleged.
Voter secrecy at issue
Gleason wrote that the United States had not offered a workable method to separate ballots cast for Daniel J. Sullivan on Election Day and examine them while preserving voter secrecy. The judge also said the Justice Department had not met its burden to show that a court order could remedy the alleged injury.
Separate criminal investigation
Alongside the civil case, the Justice Department is investigating an alleged plot to add Daniel J. Sullivan to Alaska’s ballot. It has issued subpoenas to several Democratic officials believed to be connected to efforts to recruit him.
Key points
- A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s bid to block certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.
- The department argued Daniel J. Sullivan’s ballot presence could benefit Mary Peltola.
- Judge Gleason cited the lack of a workable plan to protect voter secrecy during an investigation.
- A separate criminal investigation is underway, but nobody in the race has been charged.