Alaskans waiting on more votes in Senate and governor races; both could hinge on ranked tabulations

Ballot counts remain underway

The Senate contest features Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, seeking a third term, and Democrat Mary Peltola, a former U.S. representative. In the governor’s race, former state lawmaker Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is seeking to become the first Democrat elected governor in a generation. He faces three Republicans, including business owner Bernadette Wilson, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

A ballot proposal to end Alaska’s open primaries and ranked-vote general elections was also too close to call. If no candidate receives more than half of the first-choice votes, rankings are used. Elections officials have set Nov. 18 as the target date for ranked tabulation, as overseas ballots can be accepted for up to 15 days after Election Day.

The state allows 10 days for absentee ballots sent from elsewhere in the United States to arrive. That window matters for rural communities that can be reached only by air or water and depend on air service to deliver mail.

Senate race draws scrutiny

The Senate campaign drew national attention, including from the U.S. Department of Justice. At Trump’s direction, the department sued less than two weeks before Election Day to prevent certification if Sullivan lost, citing possible voter confusion with retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, another candidate. A federal judge dismissed the case, and the department appealed.

Questions about whether the retired teacher was recruited to confuse voters resurfaced after The New York Times reported that senior aides to Peltola appeared to have played a role in recruiting him. The report cited interviews with a former Peltola campaign manager, text messages and campaign finance records. Federal authorities have confirmed a criminal investigation is underway.

Peltola denied involvement. Dan J. Sullivan, who has denied being recruited by Democrats, did not respond to requests for comment during the previous week. The senator raised the issue in his closing appeal to voters and challenged Peltola’s denials.

Candidates await final results

Sullivan’s campaign voiced confidence Wednesday, describing the matter as an election cheating scandal and pointing to Republican losses elsewhere in the country. Peltola spoke to supporters Tuesday night after news that Democrats had secured enough seats to control the Senate. She celebrated, but cautioned that counting would take time.